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CORRESPONDENCE
OF
WILLIAM PITT
EARL OF CHATHAM.
EDITED BY THE. EXECUTORS OF HIS SON,
JOHN, EARL OF CHATHAM,
AND PUBLISHED
FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS IN THEIR
POSSESSION.
VOL. I.
LONDON:
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.
MDCCCXXXVIII.
London :
Printed by A. Spottiswood^,
New- Street- Square.
HA
if S3
TbA3
TO ILLUSTRATE
AN EVENTFUL PERIOD OF ENGLAND'S STORY,
AND TO DEVELOPE
THE CHARACTER OF AN HEROIC STATESMAN,
THESE PAPERS
WILLIAM PITT, EARL OF CHATHAM,
ARE PRESENTED TO
THE BRITISH PUBLIC,
BY
HIS GREAT-GRANDSONS,
THE EDITORS.
July 12th, 1838.
William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, was born No-
vember the 15th, 1708. He was the younger son of
Robert Pitt, of Boconnock in Cornwall, Esq., by
Harriet, sister of John Villiers, Earl of Grandison,
and he was grandson of Thomas Pitt, sometime
governor of Madras.
He received his education at Eton ; from whence
he was sent, at the age of eighteen, to Trinity
College, Oxford. Upon quitting the University
he made a tour through part of France and Italy.
His limited income making it advisable for him
to select some profession, he obtained a cornetcy
in the Blues.
In 1735, he took his seat in Parliament for the
borough of Old Sarum, where he quickly became
distinguished for his abilities and eloquence. Sir
Robert Walpole resented his opposition by de-
priving him of his commission. He was then
appointed groom of the bedchamber to His Royal
Highness Frederick, Prince of Wales ; and in the
administrations which followed the retirement of
Walpole, he successively filled various official
situations, and was chosen of the Privv Council.
VI
At length, on the 4th of December 1756, Mr.
Pitt kissed hands as Secretary of State. In the
following April, he was commanded to resign ;
but so strongly was the public opinion of him
expressed, that the seals were re-delivered to him
on the 27th of June.
No sooner did he take the lead than the spirit
of the nation was roused into action, and all
parties united for the common good. His virtue
gave dignity to the policy of England ; his genius
taught enterprise to the leaders of her armaments ;
— the wisdom of his measures was rewarded by a
series of conquests throughout the world ; and for
a period of four victorious years the British flag-
waved triumphantly in every clime : but his
vigorous measures ceasing to be supported in the
Cabinet as he conceived they ought to be, he re-
signed, October the 5th, I76I.
In July 1766, Mr. Pitt was again summoned to
form an administration ; when, retaining for himself
the office of Privy Seal, he was created Earl of
Chatham.
The gout, to which from his very boyhood he
had been subject, had for some years increased,
both in the severity and duration of its attacks; and
Vll
in the early part of 1 767, he was so severely afflicted,
that for several months he was absolutely incapaci-
tated from all attention to business. In this help-
less condition, he had nothing to wish for but
retirement : an assurance, however, from his Sove-
reign, that his name alone was sufficient to give
stability to his Government, induced him to con-
tinue nominally attached to the administration.
But, in the following year his recovery appearing
hopeless, and feeling dissatisfied with some of his
colleagues, who adopted measures of which he
could not approve, he again resigned, October
the 12th, I768 ; nor did he ever afterwards take
office.
Throughout the disputes between England and
her American Colonies, he had ever been a zealous
advocate for conciliation, and had strongly urged
the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766. In the
House of Lords, he continued to recommend the
abandonment of coercive measures, especially in
1774. His warning voice, however, was dis-
regarded, and in 1776, the Colonies proclaimed their
independence. Even then he relaxed not in his
endeavours to induce the Government to effect a
reconciliation : — but the announcement of a Treaty
of Amity between France and America in 1778
called forth the proud indignation of the patriot.
Vlll
His last attendance in the House of Lords was on
the 8th of April, in that year. The Duke of Rich-
mond having moved to withdraw the British troops
from America, and insisting on the necessity of the
measure, Lord Chatham, with enthusiastic energy,
opposed the motion. The Duke having replied,
his Lordship attempted again to rise, but his
strength failing, he fell in a convulsive fit ; from the
effects of which he died on the 11th of May, at
Hayes, in Kent.
This great man was buried in Westminster Abbey,
at the expense of a grateful country, and public
monuments record his fame.
He married, in 1754, Hester, only daughter of
Richard Grenville, of Wotton, Esq., and of Hester,
Countess Temple. On his retirement from office
in l?6l, his wife was created Baroness Chatham,
with a pension of 3000/. per annum, for three
lives.
They had five children, three sons and two
daughters, of whom William, the second son,
inheriting his Father's abilities and patriotism, has
stamped the name of Pitt with a double im-
mortality.
CONTENTS.
1741. Page
Mr. Pitt to the Earl of Chesterfield, August 6. — Laments the state
of affairs abroad - - - 1
The same to the same, September 10. — Congratulations on the
Earl's recovery. Court of France. Cardinal Fleury. Lord
Waldegrave - - - 2
1746.
Peregrine Furye, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, July 31. - -5
1746-7.
Thomas Orby Hunter, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, March 7. — State of the
British forces in Flanders - - - 7
1747.
The same to the same, April 4. — Preparations for opening the
campaign - - - - - 11
The same to the same, April 14. - - - 14
The same to the same, April 21. — French invasion of Dutch
Flanders - - - - - 16
The same to the same, April 25. - - 17
The same to the same, May 9. - - - 19
The same to the same, July 7. - - 20
Mr. Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle, July 10. — Congratulations on
Admiral Anson's victory off Cape Finisterre. Death of Captain
Thomas Grenville - - - - 22
1747-8.
The Hon. Henry Bilson Legge to Mr. Pitt, January 8. — Regrets
the death of his own brother - - - 24
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, January 19. — His endeavours
to preserve peace with Prussia. Mr. Legge's mission to Berlin - 26
1748.
The Hon. Henry Bilson Legge to Mr Pitt, May 10—21.— Con-
gratulations on the prospect of peace - - - 28
X CONTENTS.
1750. Page
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, March 31.— Narrates a con-
ference with his brother on the composition and state of the
ministry - - - " - 31
The same to the same, July 4 — 15. — The subject renewed.
Election of a King of the Romans. French encroachments in
America - - - - - 34?
The same to the same, August 12 — 23. — Announces the com-
pletion of the treaty with Bavaria - - 43
Mr. Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle, August 24. — Congratulations
on the treaty, and on the union between the brothers - 44
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, September 9—20. - 47
Mr. Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle, October 10. - - 48
The Right Hon. Henry Pelham to Mr. Pitt, October 12. —
Announces the conclusion of the treaty with Spain - - 49
The same to the same, October 20. — Sends him a copy of the
treaty with Spain - - - - 52
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, November 17. — Fraternal
altercations. Threats of resignation - - - 54
Mr. Pitt to Horatio Walpole, Esq. December 3. — Returns thanks
for his Observations on the Spanish treaty - - 56
1751.
Mr.Pitt to his nephew, Thomas Pitt, Esq. September. — Recom-
mends an attention to Pope's numbers. Virgil. Homer.
Dryden's Fables. Terence - - - 57
The same to the same, October 12 - - - 62
1752.
Mr. Pitt to Horatio Walpole, Esq. February. — Thanks him for his
Speech against the new Subsidiary Treaties - - 63
1754.
Mr.Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. January 12. — Congratulations on
his settlement at Cambridge. Use of learning. Love of pleasure.
Early rising. Hours of reading. Plan of studies. Books to
be read - - - - - 64
The same to the same, January 14. — Advice on the choice of
companions. Conversation. Religion - - 70
The same to the same, January 24. — Behaviour. Politeness - 76
The same to the same, February 3. — Study of Locke. Use of
our own reason. French language. Geography - - 81
Mr.Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle, March. — Death of Mr. Pelham.
General election. Sir George Lyttelton - - 85
CONTENTS. XI
Page
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. March 30. — Course of reading.
Early rising - - - - 88
The Earl of Hardwicke to Mr. Pitt, April 2. — Details embar-
rassments occasioned by the death of Mr.Pelham. Agitations
on the choice of a successor. Unsuccessful exertions to introduce
Mr. Pitt - - - - 89
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, April 2. — Details pro-
ceedings for forming a new administration. Sir Thomas
Robinson. Mr. Legge. Mr. George Grenville. Sir George
Lyttelton. Labours to surmount the King's prejudices against
Mr. Pitt - - - - " 95
Mr. Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle, April 5. — Expresses his mor-
tification at his exclusion in the recent arrangements ; and his
wish for retreat - " 100
Mr. Pitt to the Earl of Hardwicke, April 6. — States his reasons for
his determination to inaction ; and gratitude for the exertions on
his behalf. Laments the King's personal dislike. Satisfaction at
the appointment of SirGeorgeLyttelton and Mr. George Grenville 103
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. May 4.— Proposes a course of English
history. Recommends Oldmixon's 'Remarks,' and Nathaniel
Bacon's 'Observations.' . " 107
The Right Hon. Henry Fox to Mr. Pitt, August 20. — Recommends
the case of the Chelsea pensioners to his consideration - - 110
Mr. Pitt to the Right Hon. Henry Fox, August 20. — Promises to
devise a measure of relief - - - 1 1 1
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. September 5. — Common-place
books. Lord Clarendon. May's History of Parliament - 113
Horatio Walpole, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, October 19. - - H6
1755.
Thomas Pitt, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, March 29. - - 117
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. April 9. — Avis au lecteur - 118
Thomas Pitt, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, April 12. — Gives an account of his
literary journey. Selects 'An omnc solum '&c. for a declamation 119
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. April 15. — Approves his choice of
a thesis. Danger of the affirmative maxim ' Omne solum, ' &c.
Ludlow. Bolingbroke - - - 121
Thomas Pitt, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, April 20. — Describes the effects
of his uncle's encouragement. Wishes and hopes to become
a conspicuously good man . ■- 122
The Right Hon. Henry Fox to Mr. Pitt, April 25. — Details his
negotiation with the Duke of Newcastle. The King refuses him
the lead in the House of Commons - - - 124
The same to the same, April 25. — Encloses his letter to the King,
and asks advice thereon - - - 126
Xll CONTENTS.
Page
The Right Hon. Henry Fox to the King, April 25. — Relinquishes
the lead in the House of Commons ; but hopes to be summoned
to the cabinet council - - - 128
The Right Hon. Henry Fox to Mr. Pitt, April 25. — Alterations in
his letter to the King - - - - 129
Mr. Pitt to the Right Hon. Henry Fox, April 25. — Thinks the
alterations therein liable to misconstruction - - 130
The Right Hon. Henry Fox to Mr. Pitt, April 25. - - 131
The same to the same, April 26. — Announces that the King admits
him into the cabinet council - - - 132
Mr. Pitt's remarks on the preceding correspondence - - 134
Thomas Pitt, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, May 18. - - 138
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. May 20. — Congratulations on his
declamation - - - - 138
The same to the same, July 13. — True knowledge. Fame - 140
The same to the same, July 24. - - - 141
Thomas Pitt, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, July 27. - - 142
The same to the same, August 27. - - 143
Horatio Walpole, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, September 15. — Answer to
his inquiry on the state of public affairs - 144
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. September 25. — Enquires after
his progress in English history. Recommends Welwood's Me-
moirs. Sir. John Davis's Ireland. Blair's Chronology - 146
Thomas Pitt, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, October 7. — Details progress of his
historical journey. Davis's Ireland. Burnet. Pere Orleans - 148
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. December 6. - - 150
1756.
The same to the same, January 13. — Commends his nephew's
elegy on his mother's picture. Recommends Vitriarius's Jus
Publicum - - - - -151
Thomas Potter, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, May 11.— Prior Park. Ralph
Allen - - - - 153
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. May 1 1. — Inquires after the progress
of his historical studies - - 155
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, June 3. — Thanks for his zeal in
behalf of the Prince and Princess of Wales - - 156
Thomas Potter, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, June 4. — Interview with Dr.
Stone. Death of chief justice Ryder. Rumoured changes.
Charles Yorke. Arrangements of the Duke of Newcastle. Temper
of the House of Commons - - - - 158
The Right Hon. Oeorge Grenville to Mr. Pitt, June 7. — Laments
the result of Byng's engagement. Culpability of the executive - 163
The Right Hon Henry Bilson Legge to Mr. Pitt, June 16. — Re-
CONTENTS. Xlli
Page
commends SirW. Moreton for solicitor-general to the Princess of
Wales. Rear-admiral West - - - 166
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, July 15. — Complains of neglect of
the Prince of Wales's letter to the King - - 169
The same to the same, July 20. — States the wish of the Prince to
have the free choice of his servant - - - 170
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq., October 7. - - - 172
The same to the same, October 10. — Announces the birth of a son.
A father's first wish - - - - 173
Thomas Pitt, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, October 12. — Details the progress
of his studies - - - - 174
Thomas Potter, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, October 17/ — Precarious state
of the ministry - - - - - 1 78
Sir Richard Lyttelton to Mr. Pitt, November 2. — Details the nego-
tiations for forming a new ministry. Mr. Fox's interview with
the King - - - - .179
The Right Hon. Henry Legge to Mr. Pitt, November 3. - 183
William Beckford, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, November 6. — Urges the
necessity of a change of measures. Volunteers his services to
Mr. Pitt - - - - 185
Earl Temple to Mr. Pitt, November 9. — Narrates the progress of
the negotiations for forming a new ministry - 186
The same to the same, November 11. — Terms for coming into
administration. Duke of Newcastle resigns. New ministry
settled. Mr. Pitt secretary of state - - 190
The Right Hon. George Grenville to Mr. Pitt, November 18.
Preparations for meeting parliament. King's speech - 196
The Right Hon. Henry Fox to Mr. Pitt, November 28 ;
enclosing letters from Lord Tyrawly - - 199
Lord Tyrawly to the Right Hon. Henry Fox, August 20. —
Minorca. Gibraltar - 200
The same to the same, August 27. - - - 201
The same to the same, September 20. — Defenceless condition of
Gibraltar. Wishes to resign his government thereof - 204
Andrew Mitchell, Esq. to the Earl of Holdernesse, December 9. —
Character of M. de Knyphausen. Designs of the French in the
East and West Indies. Projected invasion of England - 206
Mr. Pitt to Sir Benjamin Keene, December 14. — Assurances of
personal regard, and of a determination to cultivate a good
understanding with the court of Spain. General Wall - 209
1757.
Sir Benjamin Keene to Mr. Pitt, January 11. — Friendly disposition
of the court of Spain - - - - -212
Gilbert Elliot, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, January 13 ; enclosing letter
from Sir James Stewart - - - 214
XIV CONTENTS.
Page
Sir James Stewart to John Stewart, Esq. — State of the King of
Prussia's army and resources - - - 215
The Hon. George Townshend to Mr. Pitt, January Jo. - 21G
Lord Tyrawly to Mr Pitt, February 1. — Entreats permission to
return home. Operations of the French at Minorca. State of
the works at Gibraltar - 217
Mrs. Osborn to Mr. Pitt, February 17. — Implores his intercession
with the King, in behalf of her brother, Admiral Byng - 220
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Thomas Cumming, February 19. — Encourages
his design against the French settlements in Africa - - 221
The Hon. George Townshend to Mr. Pitt, February 14. — Entreats
him to support the militia bill in parliament - - 222
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, March 2. — Congratulations on the
success of his measures in behalf of the King of Prussia - 223
Andrew Mitchell, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, March 12. — Communicates
the King of Prussia's thanks for his speech on the treaty - 225
Mr. Pitt to Andrew Mitchell, Esq. March 31. — Expresses senti-
ments of veneration and zeal for the King of Prussia. [Mr.
Pitt commanded to resign, note.'] - - 226
The Earl of Hardwicke to Mr. Pitt, May 25. — States that the
Duke of Newcastle solicits a conference - 227
The Archbishop of Armagh to Mr. Pitt, May 29. — Plans for
forming a new ministry. Duke of Newcastle's irresolution.
[Ineffectual negotiations for forming a new administration, note.']- 230
The Earl of Hardwicke to Mr. Pitt, June 22. — Disposition of
the great seal _ . _ _ 232
The Earl of Hardwicke to Mr. Pitt, June 25. — Narrates his
interview with the King on the disposal of the great seal. Chief
justice Willcs makes a peerage the sine qua non of acceptance.
Sir Robert Henley's terms. [Mr. Pitt re-appointed Secretary
of State. The new administration settled. Disastrous state of
public affairs, note.] -____. 233
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, July 11. — State of the
British forces in North America. Sir John Ligonier's peerage.
Death of the Queen of Prussia. [Inglorious retreat of Lord
Loudoun and Admiral Holbourne, note.] - - - 237
John Wilkes, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, July 14th. — Announces his return
for Aylesbury. Expressions of esteem and admiration. Promises
of support -_..._ _ 240
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 5. — Defeat of the Duke of
Cumberland at Hastenbech. Deplores the dreadful state of
affairs ; but takes hope at seeing Mr. Pitt in office - - 240
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 13. — Regrets the delay
in the sailing of the expedition to Rochfort. Suggests an
attempt on Corsica - 241
CONTENTS. XV
Page
The Right Hon. George Grenville to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 14. — La-
ments the distressful state of affairs. Defeat of the Duke of
Cumberland. Situation of the Landgrave of Hesse. Death of
Admiral West - - . 243
Mr. Pitt to Sir Benjamin Keene, Aug 23. — Instructs him to
sound the Spanish government concerning an exchange of Gib-
raltar for the island of Minorca ; the disposition of the royal
family with respect to the succession ; and the designs of the
house of Austria --._._ 247
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt Esq., Aug. 28. ... 256
Thomas Potter, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 11. — Gives an account of
disturbances from the attempts to carry the militia act into ex-
ecution - _-.___ 257
Sir Benjamin Keene to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 26. — Regrets the decline
of his health, and solicits his recall - 262
The same to the same, Sept. 26. — States the result of inter-
views with M. Wall. British usurpations in Spanish America.
Restitution of Gibraltar. Composition of the Spanish ministry.
Picture of the court ..... 263
Thomas Potter, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 11. — Discontents at the
return of the expedition against Rochfort ... 277
William Beckford, Esq. to Mr Pitt, Oct. 22. — Regrets the failure
of the Rochfort expedition. Urges an armament against Cape
Breton - - - - - 278
Mr. Pitt to Thomas Pitt, Esq. Oct. 27. - - 282
Dr. Warburton to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 21. — Expresses his gratitude
for his promotion to the Deanery of Bristol ... 283
Mr. Pitt to the Duke of Bedford, (Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,)
Nov. 26. — Disturbed state of the country. Resolutions of
the Irish parliament against pensions. Stoppage of the supplies.
Advises measures of conciliation and union - - 284
The Duke of Bedford to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 5. — Will endeavour to
conciliate the Kildares and Ponsonbys. Complains of the mis-
representations of the primate's faction. - -288
The Earl of Exeter to Mr. Pitt. — Complains of the Rutlandshire
militia being ordered to march, and asks why he has been de-
ceived - - - 292
Mr. Pitt to the Earl of Exeter, in reply ... 293
1758.
M. D'Abreu (envoy from Spain) to M. Wall (Spanish minister
for foreign affairs), March 3. - - - - 294
The same to the same, March 10. .... 298
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt March 11. - - 301
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, March 17. - - 302
Xvi CONTENTS.
Page
Mr. Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle, April 4. — Urges the necessity
of reducing the army estimates - - 305
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, April 5, in reply - 306
The King to Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, April 28. — Expresses
his approbation of the Prince's conduct, and urges him to pursue
the enemy beyond the Rhine - 309
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, May 10. — Expedition against
St. Maloes - - - - - 31 1
The Earl of Holdernesse to Mr. Pitt, May 10. — Conduct of the
Landgrave of Hesse - - - - 313
Dr. Warburton to Mr.Pitt, May 15,with a copy of the Divine Lega-
tion - - 315
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, June 4. — Laments the total loss of
public spirit - - - - 316
The same to the same, June 16. — Regrets the failure of the
expedition against St. Maloes - 318
The same to the same, June 27. — Prince Edward's appointment 319
The same to the same, June 28. — Congratulations on Prince
Ferdinand's successes at Crevelt ... 320
Mr. Pitt to Lady Hester Pitt, July 1. — Expresses his anxiety for
the fate of Louisburgh, &c. - - -321
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, July 2. — Laments the return of the
expedition to St. Helen's .... 322
EarlTemple to Mr.Pitt, July 5. — Expresses his regret at the return
of the fleet re infecta, and anxiety for the issue of the attempt
against Louisburgh - - 323
Lord George Sackville to Mr. Pitt, July 3. — Complains of
General Blighe's appointment, and desires to be struck off the
staff - - - - - 326
William Beckford, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, July 10. — Recommends at-
tempts on the French coast, and sending cavalry to the assist-
ance of Prince Ferdinand - 327
Major General Amherst to Brigadier General Wolfe, Aug. 6. - 330
The same to the same, Aug. 8. - - 332
The Duke of Marlborough to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 15. — State of the
British army in Germany - 334
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 20. — Regrets the repulse of
General Abercrombie at Ticonderoga. - - 335
The Duke of Marlborough to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 18. — Complains of
improper promotions in the Hanoverian army, and solicits a
general's commission - 337
The Right Hon. George Grenville to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 23. —
Laments the miscarriage at Ticonderoga, and death of Lord
Howe - - . 338
CONTENTS. XVII
Page
Colonel Give to John Payne, Esq., Aug. 24. — Revolution in the
Carnatic. Deplorable condition of the East India Company's
civil affiairs. Necessity of a thorough reform - -341
The Hon. George Townshend to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 27. — Congratu-
lations on the taking of Louisburgh. Wishes to be employed in
one of the expeditions to the French coast ... 345
The Duke of Marlborough to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 1. — Returns thanks
for his general's commission. Situation of the British army in
Germany ____._. 34.8
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 8. — Congratulations on the
King of Prussia's victory at Zorndorff ... 34,9
M. D'Abreu to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 11. — Complains of the King's
marked conduct towards him .... 350
William Beckford, Esq., to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 11. — Victories of the
King of Prussia. Necessity of reducing the power of France.
Urges a southern expedition - - - - 352
Lord Barrington to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 20. — Repulse at Ticonderoga.
Preparations for a new expedition - 354
Sir Joseph Yorke to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 22. — Release of the Surinam
ships. Embarrassments of the Princess Royal of Holland -358
The Duke of Newcastle to Earl Temple, Sept. 28. — Replies to
the Earl's application for the vacant garter. Claims of Lord
Holdernesse and the Marquis of Rockingham - - 359
Earl Temple to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 1. — States his reasons for not
making him a party to the application ... 352
Mr. Pitt to Earl Temple, Oct. 2., in reply - 363
The Earl of Bristol to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 9. — Projects for re-marrying
the King of Spain. [TheKing's melancholy situation and death,
note] - _ 364
Thomas Potter, Esq., to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 25. - 365
Lord George Sackviile to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 11. — Complains of
alterations in his instructions as commander in chief of the
British forces in Germany. Movements of the armies. Expense
of contracts _..__. 357
Brigadier-General Wolfe to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 22. — Ofieis to serve
in America -.__._. 379
The Earl of Bristol to Mr. Pitt, Nov. — . - - -371
Lord George Sackviile to the Earl of Holdernesse, Dec. 7. —
Thanks him for leave to return to England - - 374
William Beckford, Esq. to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 18. — Presses him to
undertake the siege of Quebec. And of Montreal - - 376
Major-General Wolfe to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 24. — Navigation of the
river St. Lawrence - ... 378
Lieutenant Caldwell to Major-General Wolfe, Oct. 27. - 381
Lieutenant Leslie to Major-General Wolfe, Oct. 30. - - 384
a
XV1U CONTENTS.
Page
1750.
The King of Prussia to Mr. Pitt, Jan. 5. — Returns thanks for
the attention paid to his interests - 385
Colonel Clive to Mr. Pitt, Jan. 7. — Details the actual state of
Affairs in India. Expediency and practicability of further
aggrandizement. Decline of the French power - - 387
Andrew Mitchell, Esq., to Mr. Pitt, Jan. 7. — King of Prussia's
approbation of the measures taken in his behalf - - 393
The same to the same, Jan. 8. — King of Prussia solicits Earl
Marischal Keith's pardon .... - 394
Sir Joseph Yorke to Mr. Pitt, Jan. 9. — Release of the Dutch
ships. Efforts to adjust the differences. Illness and death of
the Princess of Orange. - 396
Mr. Pitt to Andrew Mitchell, Esq., Jan. 26. — Announces the
Earl Marischal pardon - 400
Mr. Pitt to the King of Prussia, Jan. — Returns thanks for
his Majesty's letter - - - - - 401
Major-General Wolfe to Mr. Pitt, May 1. — Details the progress
of the expedition against Quebec - 403
Andrew Mitchell, Esq., to Mr. Pitt. May 20. — Conversation with
the King of Prussia respecting peace - 407
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, May 24. — Mr. Hampden and
Lord Besborough appointed post-masters-general. Lord North
placed in the Treasury _____ 408
Mr. Pitt to Andrew Mitchell, Esq., June 12. — Exertions in
behalf of the King of Prussia. Expressions of gratitude and
veneration - - - - - _ -410
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, June 23. — Lord Ligonier.
Powers of the master-general of the Ordnance - -411
Baron de Knyphausen to Mr. Pitt, July 1., enclosing a letter
from the King of Prussia - - - - 411
The King of Prussia to the King of England, June 20. — Pro-
poses a joint declaration in favour of a negociation for peace - 413
Earl Marischal Keith to Mr. Pitt, July 30. — Returns thanks for
his pardon - - - - _ - - _ 415
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 7. — Complains of inattention
to the requests of the Prince of Wales. Application in behalf of
Lord George Sackville - - - - - 416
Mr. Pitt to the Earl of Bute, Aug. 15. — Announces the King's
leave for Lord George Sackville to return to England - 417
The Earl of Bristol to Mr. Pitt, Aug. 27. — Solicits the appoint-
ment of a consul-general _____ 418
Admiral Rodney to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 3. — Details operations of the
expedition against Havre _____ 420
Mr. Pitt to Lord George Sackville, Sept. 9. — Wishes a successful
result to the court-martial ; but regrets that he cannot give his
support - - - - - - - 423
CONTENTS. XIX
Page
Major -General Wolfe to Mr. Pitt ; on board the Sutherland, at
anchor off Cape Rouge, Sept. 9. — Details the operations of
the fleet and army. Laments the ruin of his constitution,
without having done any considerable service to the state.
[Conquest of Quebec. Death of Wolfe, note.] - - 425
Rev. Dr. Markham to the Duchess of Queensbury, Sept. 25. —
Solicits her Grace's assistance with Mr. Pitt to procure Mr.
Edmund Burke the British consulship at Madrid - - 430
Mr. Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle, Sept. 27. — Expresses his deep
mortification at the refusal of the vacant garter to Earl Temple,
and desires to learn the King's final determination - - 433
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, Sept. 27. — Regrets the ill
success of his many representations to the King - - 434
The same to the same, Sept. 28. - 436
The same to the same, Oct. 4. 436
Mr. Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle, Oct. 4. 437
Earl Temple to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 13. — [Earl Temple's resignation,
and resumption of office. Presented with the garter, note.] - 438
Mr. Pitt to Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, Oct. 16. — Announces
the conquest of Quebec, and death of Wolfe - - 459
Archbishop Seeker to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 17. — Returns congratula-
tions on the conquest of Quebec - 440
The same to the same, Oct. 19. — Public thanksgiving - - 441
Sir Richard Lyttleton to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 18. — Conquest of Quebec.
Loss of Wolfe - - 442
The Earl of Hardwicke to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 18. — Conquest of
Quebec. Overtures of peace - - 443
Andrew Mitchell, Esq., to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 22. — Desperate state
of the King of Prussia's affairs. His opinion of Mr. Pitt - 444
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 23. — Concerning anony-
mous proposals for peace - - 445
Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick to Mr. Pitt, Oct. 25. — Answer
to congratulations on the conquest of Quebec - - 446
The Duke of Newcastle to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 3. — King's speech on
opening the session - 443
Mrs. Wolfe to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 6. - - - - 450
Mr. Pitt to Mrs. Wolfe, Nov. 8. — Condolence on the loss of her
son. [Speech on moving for a monument to his memory, note.] 451
Brigadier-General Townshend to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 19. — Character
of Admiral Saunders. Sir Edward Hawke's victory - - 452
The Hon. Horace Walpole to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 19. — Congratulates
him on the lustre he has thrown on his country - _ 455
Mr. Pitt to Lady Hester Pitt, Nov. 19. - - - 457
Mrs. Wolfe to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 27. - 459
a 2
XX CONTENTS.
-t>age
Mr. Pitt to Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, Nov. 27. — Perilous
situation of the King of Prussia. Overtures of peace - 460
Mrs. Wolfe to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 30. - 462
Memorandum transmitted by Lord Howe to Mr. Pitt, Nov. 30. —
Conversation with the Due D'Aiguillon at Vannes concerning
a negociation for peace - 463
The Right Hon. Richard Rigby to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 2. — Gives up
his seat at the board of trade - * - * 465
The Earl of Bristol to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 3. — Felicitations on the
successes of the year - 466
The Right Hon. Richard Rigby to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 5. — Gives ac-
count of the riot in Dublin, and attack on both houses of par-
liament - - 468
Sir Richard Lyttlcton to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 11. - - 471
The Earl of Bristol to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 19. - - - 473
The Earl of Bute to Mr. Pitt, Dec. — Congratulations on Sir
Edward Hawke's victory ... 475
The Right Hon, Richard Rigby to Mr. Pitt, Dec. 23. — Motives
and causes of the riot in Dublin. Disturbed state of Ireland.
Congratulations on the successes of the year - - 476
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF STATE,
From 1741 to 1759.
Lord Chancellor.
1741 Earl of Hardwicke.
1756 Sir John Willes, knt. lord chief justice of the Common
Pleas ; Sir Sidney Stafford Smythe, knt. one of the
barons of the Exchequer ; Sir John Eardley Wilmot,
knt. one of the justices of the King's Bench —
Commissioners of the Great Seal.
1757 Sir Robert Henley, knt. Lord Keeper.
First Lord of the Treasury.
1742. Feb. Earl of Wilmington.
1743. Aug. Right Hon. Henry Pelham.
1754. Mar. Duke of Newcastle.
1756. Nov. Duke of Devonshire.
1757. April. Lord Mansfield.
1757. July. Duke of Newcastle.
President of the Council.
1742. Feb. Earl of Harrington.
1744. Dec. Duke of Dorset.
1751. June. Earl Granville.
Lord Privy Seal.
1742. Feb. Lord Gower.
1743. Dec. Earl of Cholmondeley.
1744. Dec. Lord Gower.
1755. Jan. Duke of Marlborough.
1756. Dec. Lord Gower.
1757. June. Earl Temple.
First Lord of the Admiralty.
1742. Mar. Earl of Winchelsea.
1744. Dec. Duke of Bedford.
1748. Feb. Earl of Sandwich.
1751. June. Lord Anson.
1756. Nov. Earl Temple.
1757. April. Earl of Winchilsea.
1757. July. Lord Anson.
XX11
Principal Secretaries of State.
1742. Feb. Lord Carteret.
1744. Nov. Earl of Harrington.
1746. Feb. 10. Earl Granville.
■,„a„ -c u 1 1 f Duke of Newcastle.
1746. Feb.l4.|EarlofHarrington
1746. Nov. 4. Earl of Chesterfield, vice Earl of Harrington.
1748. Feb. Duke of Bedford, vice Earl of Chesterfield.
1751. July. Earl of Holdernesse, vice Duke of Bedford.
1754. April. Sir Thomas Robinson, vice Duke of Newcastle.
1755. Nov. Right Hon. Henry Fox, vice Thomas Robinson.
1756. Dec. Right Hon. William Pitt. Commanded to resign, April,
1757.
1757. June 27. Right Hon. William Pitt.
Chancellor of the Exchequer.
1742. Feb. Right Hon. Samuel Sandys.
1743. Aug- Right Hon. Henry Pelham.
1754. Mar. 9. Sir William Lee, lord chief justice of the King s
Bench.
1754. Apr. 6. Right Hon. Henry Bilson Legge.
1755. Dec. 20. Sir George Lyttelton, bart., afterwards Lord Lyttelton.
1756. Nov. 16. Right Hon. Henry Bilson Legge.
1757. April 9. Lord Mansfield, lord chief justice of the King's
Bench.
1757. July 2. Right Hon. Henry Bilson Legge.
Master-General of the Ordnance.
1742 Duke of Montagu.
1755 Duke of Marlborough.
1757 Lord Ligonier.
Treasurer of the Navy.
1744 George Bubb Dodington, Esq., afterwards Lord Mel-
combe.
1749 Right Hon. Henry Bilson Legge.
1754 Right Hon. George Grenville.
1755. George Bubb Dodington, Esq.
1756 Right Hon. George Grenville.
1757. April. George Bubb Dodington, Esq.
1757. June. Right Hon. George Grenville.
Secretary at War.
1746 Right Hon. Henry Fox, afterwards Lord Holland.
1755 Viscount Barrington.
Paymaster-General.
1746 Right Hon. William Pitt.
1755 Earl of Darlington.
1755 Viscount Duplin, afterwards Earl of Kinnoul.
1757 Right Hon. Henry Fox, afterwards Lord Holland.
XX111
Joint Postmasters- General.
174, f Earl of Leicester.
\ Sir John Eyles, knt.
I74*i f Earl of Leicester.
I Sir E. Fawkener.
I7V7 f Earl of Besborough.
\ Hon. Robert Hampden.
Speaker of the House of Commons.
Right Hon. Arthur Onslow.
Master of the Rolls.
1741 William Fortescue, Esq.
1750 Sir John Strange, knt.
1754 Sir Thomas Clarke, knt.
Attorney-General.
1741 Sir Dudley Ryder, knt.
1754 Hon. William Murray, afterwards Earl of Mansfield.
1756 Sir Robert Henley, knt., afterwards Earl of Northing-
ton.
1757 Sir Charles Pratt, afterwards Lord Camden.
Solicitor-General.
1742 Hon. William Murray, afterwards Earl of Mansfield.
1754 Sir Richard Lloyd, knt.
1754 Hon. Charles Yorke.
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
1743 Duke of Devonshire.
1745 Earl of Chesterfield.
1747 Earl of Harrington.
1751 Duke of Dorset.
1755 Duke of Devonshire.
1757 Duke of Bedford.
Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant.
1757 Right Hon. Richard Rigby.
FAC-SIMILES OF AUTOGRAPHS
In Vol. I.
; PLATE
I. Duke of Newcastle.
Right Hon. Thomas Pelham.
Thomas Orby Hunter, Esq.
Right Hon. Henry Bilson
Legge.
Earl of Hardwicke.
II. Thomas Pitt, Esq., afterwards
Lord Camelford.
HI. Earl of Tyrawly.
Lord George Sackville.
Right Hon. Henry Fox, after-
wards Lord Holland.
Earl of Holdernesse.
Thomas Potter, Esq.
William Beckford, Esq.
Viscount Barrington.
Sir Joseph Yorke.
Andrew Mitchell, Esq., after-
wards Sir Andrew Mitchell.
Gilbert Elliot, Esq., after-
wards Sir Gilbert Elliot.
John Wilkes, Esq.
Sir Benjamin Keene.
M. D'Abreu, Spanish envoy
at the court of London.
IV. Rt. Hon. George Grenville.
V. Earl Marischal Keith.
Earl of Exeter,
Horatio, afterwards Lord,
Walpole.
Dr. Warburton, afterwards
Bishop of Gloucester.
VI.
VII.
Mrs. Osborn, sister of Ad-
miral Byng.
Mrs. Wolfe, mother of General
Wolfe.
Mr. Pitt.
VIII. Admiral, afterwards Lord,
tiodney.
Sir Jeffrey, afterwards Lord,
Amherst.
Baron de Knyphausen, Hano-
verian minister at the court
of London.
Dr. Markham, afterwards arch-
bishop of York.
Dr. Seeker, archbishop of
Canterbury.
Earl of Bristol.
Earl of Kinnoul.
Duke of Marlborough.
Duke of Bedford.
Hon. George, afterwards Mar-
quis, Townshend.
Prince Ferdinand of Bruns-
wick and Lunenburg.
IX. Earl Temple.
Earl of Bute.
X. "| Frederick the Second, King
XL J of Prussia.
XII. General Wolfe.
Hon. Horace Walpole, after-
wards Earl of Orford.
Right Hon. Richard Rigby.
Correspondence , Vol.1.
John Murray, Albe-marlc S? lend*,. .
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it-11
CORRESPONDENCE,
&c. &c.
MR. PITT TO THE EARL OF CHESTERFIELD. (•)
Clifden, August 6, 1741.
My Lord,
* # * * I think, with your Lordship, the scene
abroad a most gloomy one. Whether day is ever
to break forth again, or destruction and darkness
is finally to cover all — impiaque ceternam merue-
runt scecula noctem — must soon be determined.
As the Austrian thunder of my Lord Carteret (2)
has not yet waked the child in cradle, there is
(!) Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth Earl of Chesterfield.
The Earl was at this time at Paris, whither he had gone, at the
close of the session, for the restoration of his health. On the
union of parties in 1744, he was appointed ambassador-extraor-
dinary to the Hague ; whence he proceeded, in the following
year, to Ireland, of which he had been appointed Lord Lieu-
tenant. On his return to England in 1746, he was made prin-
cipal Secretary of State, and, in 1748, he retired from office
and took no part in any future administration. He died in
March, 1773.
('-') An allusion to Lord Carteret's speech in the House of
Lords, on the 9th of April, upon the address to the King. See
Parliamentary History, vol. xii. p. 154.
VOL. I. B
2 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1741.
no hope that an Aurora Borealis will light us
to salvation. I wish his Imperial Majesty a good
nap : it is very fit children should sleep, and I
only wish, in this great crisis, every man in England
may awake. I hope my letter of the 26th of July
came to your hands : where this will find your
Lordship, I do not know ; that it may find you
well is all I have to wish. France, by her in-
fluence and her arms, means, to be sure, to undo
England and all Europe : by her air and climate
she may do the reverse, if they confirm the health
of the only man who can save us.
I am your Lordship's most faithful
and most obedient servant,
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THE EARL OF CHESTERFIELD.
London, September 10, 1741.
My Lord,
I am afraid my two last letters to your Lordship
may have miscarried, especially the first of them,
which is of so old a date, that it must have reached
you long ago, if it was not stopped. Since I have
had the pleasure of hearing from you, I have often
had that of hearing of you, which has made me
some amends; for every account of you concurs in
saying you are perfectly well. I write to you now,
1741. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 3
to make his Royal Highness's (') compliments
of felicitation to yon upon the recovery of your
health, or, to give your Lordship a truer idea of
the pleasure he expresses at it, to tell you he feli-
citates himself upon it, as the happiest event to
him and to the nation. That it is so, is a most
indubitable truth ; and your presence here will, I
doubt not, make it be understood and felt to be so
by all mankind. Till you do give yourself back
again to your friends and servants here, I wish
you all the pleasures a fine climate and an agree-
able people can give you. I hope you liked the
Court of France as well as it liked you. The un-
common distinctions I hear the Cardinal (2) showed
you are the best proof that, old as he is, his
judgment is as good as ever. As this great respect-
able minister has taken so much of his idea of the
men in power here, from the person of a great
negotiator who has left the stage (3), I am very
(!) Frederick, Prince of Wales, eldest son of George the
Second, and father of George the Third. It was upon the
address of congratulation to the Throne on the occasion of his
Royal Highness's marriage, in April, 1736, with Augusta,
Princess of Saxe-Gotha, that Mr. Pitt delivered his first speech
in the House of Commons. In September, 1737, he was ap-
pointed groom of the bed-chamber to his Royal Highness, and
continued for some time attached to his household.
(2) Cardinal Fleury, prime minister of Louis XV. He died
in January, 1743, in his ninety-first year.
(3) James, first Earl of Waldegrave. In 1727, he was ap-
pointed ambassador to Vienna, and, three years afterwards,
succeeded Horatio Walpole in the still more important embassy
to the court of Versailles, where he resided till the year 1740.
B 2
4 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1741.
glad he has had an opportunity once before he
dies of forming an idea of those out of power,
from my Lord Chesterfield.
I am your Lordship's most faithful
and obedient servant,
W. Pitt.
P. S. — It is reported here, that you sup with
ladies, and keep ill hours. (') If you have health
enough to live, not only with French men but
with French women, I conceive the whole learned
faculty will pronounce your health sufficiently con-
firmed. If this be your happy state, I do maintain
(without talking patriotism), that your Lordship
has more business which indispensably requires
your presence here, than any man in England. I
hope to kiss your Lordship's hands at London soon.
He died in April, 1741 ; his eldest son, the author of " Historical
Memoirs from 1754 to 1758," succeeding to his titles and pro-
perty.
([) During the Earl's short stay at Paris " he was," says Dr.
Maty, " a most acceptable guest in the best societies, and a
partaker of their pleasures. The hotels of Coigny, Matignon,
Noailles, were open to him, as well as the houses of Mesdames
de Tencin, de Monconceil, Martel, ladies equally distinguished
by their rank, their merit, and their wit. He frequently saw
some of the principal literati of that country, such as Sellier,
Crebillon, Fontenelle, but chiefly his old friend Montesquieu.
— Memoirs, vol. i. p. 101.
1746. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 5
PEREGRINE FURZE, ESQ., TO MR. PITT.(i)
Paymaster-General's Office, July 31, 1746.
Sir,
Since I had the honour of writing to you, the
22d instant, the Treasury, without memorial,
directed 50,000/. in further part of the pay of
the Hanover troops, which has been issued at
your office in the usual manner to Baron Stein-
berg. A warrant for the like sum is prepared at
the Treasury, payable to Baron Wassenaer for the
Austrians ; but no direction yet given upon the
Exchequer, which is bare of money at this time.
It is said a Bill will pass this day se'nnight for
enabling the Bank to circulate 500,000/. in Exche-
quer bills, upon the like sum voted for extraor-
dinary services of the current year, which will put
the public into better circumstances.
The sum voted for the pay of the Dutch troops
has been received; by which is replaced the 20,000/.
lately remitted to Mr. Hunter on the head of
extraordinaries. Upon payment of the subsistence
to the 24th of next month, there is remaining in
your hands about 23,000/. I think the Treasury
(') Mr. Furze was secretary and accountant in the pay-
master's office. In the preceding May, on the death of Mr.
Winnington, Mr. Pitt had received the appointment of pay-
master of the forces, and was made a member of the privy
council.
B 3
6 CORIiESrONDENCE OF 1746.
is not in a condition of directing the 137,000/. for
extraordinaries of last year ; yet they will give what
they can in part of it.
I have laid before the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer the draught of the warrant to indemnify
you in the remittance for extraordinary services
abroad. This draught is so far approved by him,
that he has advised me to take the sense of the
Deputy Auditors upon it, in order to render it the
more effectual ; and I believe if they are concurrent
in their opinion, as I am in hopes they will be,
from a conference I have already had with one of
them, you will have such a warrant as will fully
answer your purpose and intention.
The transports are ready for the embarkation
of the regiments in Scotland, but they had not
received their last orders when the Duke (]) left
Edinburgh. Charleroi has been given up to the
French, in the same dishonourable manner as other
towns defended by Dutch garrisons.
The Pretender is wandering, in a most infirm
condition, on one of the mountains with one O'Neil.
Two detachments — one of dragoons and another of
foot — are after him, and it is mentioned without
reserve, that they have orders to dispatch him,
wherever he can be found. Mr. Townley, with
the other prisoners, was executed yesterday f2), not-
(') His Royal Highness William Augustus, Duke of Cum-
berland, third son of George the Second.
(2) On Kennington common, for high treason.
1746. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 7
withstanding a letter from M. D'Argenson (') came
the day before in his behalf, by the canal of one
M. Carpentier, to the Duke of Newcastle.
Mr. Pelham directs me to acquaint you, that the
armies in Flanders are so near that there may be an
action, if both are equally inclined to it ; but in his
private opinion the French will rather avoid it, as
they have a probability of doing their business
without it.
I am, with the greatest respect, Sir,
Your most obedient, and
most faithful humble servant,
Peregrine Furze.
THOMAS ORBY HUNTER, ESQ. (a) TO MR. PITT.
Rotterdam, March 7, N. S. 1746-7.
Sir,
Since my arrival in Holland I have been at
the Hague to receive his Royal Highness's com-
mands. I have, since my return from thence, paid
two of his Royal Highness's warrants of 100,000
gilders each to the contractor for forage, and in a
short time I am to expect warrants in favour of the
(') The French secretary of state for foreign affairs.
(-) Mr. Orby Hunter was, at this time, deputy-paymaster of
the forces in Flanders. He was afterwards commissioner of the
admiralty, and commissioner of the treasury. He died in
1769.
B 4f
8 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1746-7.
same for as much more. As the magazines that
were ordered are nearly completed, the payments
to this contractor will absorb the 40,000/. you re-
mitted for that purpose.
The troops have received their subsistence to
the 24th of March, except a regiment or two
which lie at some distance separate from the rest.
Till the army assembles and the final agreements
are made for the field, it will be impossible for me
to form any judgment of the current extraordinary
expenses. In the mean time I should imagine
that a remittance of 30,000/. per month will be
sufficient to answer those expenses, and if the
nature of this campaign should be such as to re-
quire a greater supply than I am at present aware
of, the demand can hardly be so sudden but that I
shall have due notice to apprize you of it.
Upon an express received last Saturday by Count
Hawach, the Queen's (') minister for the Congress,
from Lord Sandwich (2), he immediately set out for
Breda, which incident lias greatly increased the
expectations of a peace on this side. If to be
(!) The Queen of Hungary.
(2) John Montagu, fourth earl of Sandwich. In November,
1746, his lordship was constituted minister-plenipotentiary to
the States-General during the conferences at Breda, and assisted
in the settling those preliminaries of peace which were ratified
at Aix-la-Chapelle in October, 1748. He afterwards became
ambassador to the court of Spain. In 1762, he was appointed
first lord of the admiralty; in August, 1763, secretary of state
for the home department; and in 1771, again first lord of the
admiralty. He died in 1792.
174.6-7. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 9
obtained upon tolerable terms, I hope we shall see
it soon : howsoever well prepared we may have
had reason to expect to be for the ensuing cam-
paign, I greatly fear our numbers will fall con-
siderably short of what has been promised ; for on
the side of the Austrians I can learn but of one
regiment of three battalions, that of Neiperg, to
be on the march for the Low Countries : this is the
only new corps I can hear of to join our army.
The other reinforcement consists in recruits which
are arriving indeed in good numbers ; but I question
much if they will do more than replace the loss of
men last campaign, and in winter quarters. Upon
this footing, I am sorry to conjecture how far short
they will be of the 60,000 proposed.
The Dutch discipline is so much worn out, that
I have heard it much doubted whether the positive
orders given by their Government will have had
weight enough with their officers to complete their
corps. The national regiments will find great
difficulties to recruit ; so that upon the whole, it is
to be feared that this body will come short of ex-
pectation into the field.
On the other hand, the preparations of the enemy
show them to be upon the defensive scheme; which
is some argument that they acknowledge the pros-
pect of our being superior in the field, and yet it is
positively asserted that their King(') is to command.
Marshal Saxe is expected to-morrow at Brussels,
(!) Frederick, King of Prussia.
10 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1746-7.
and I understand that several regiments are filing
off from different places to assemble at Antwerp.
There seems to be a trial of skill who shall get to-
gether the first into the field; and indeed upon that
will the hopes of success this campaign in a great
measure depend. (')
I am ashamed to have detained you so long
upon conjectures of my own ; nothing will give me
greater pleasure than to find myself mistaken.
When I have more certain information I will have
the honour to communicate it to you, and give
you notice constantly of any thing that happens of
consequence.
I have the honour to be, with great regard, Sir,
Your most obedient, and
most humble servant,
Thomas Orby Hunter.
(*) " In consequence of the arrangements at the Hague for
an early campaign, the Duke of Cumberland, who was again
intrusted with the command, took the field in February. But
the British court soon discovered, that they had overrated the
zeal and means of their allies ; for munitions of war were scantily
provided, and the Dutch and Austrians were lamentably defi-
cient in their promised quotas. The confederate forces were,
therefore, harassed for a month by useless movements, while
Marshal Saxe retained his troops in quarters provided with
every requisite, and was prepared to resume the contest with
effect on the advance of the season." — Coxes Pelham Adminis-
tration, vol. i. p. 358.
1747. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 11
THOMAS ORBY HUNTER, ESQ., TO MR. PITT.
Rotterdam, April 4, (N. S.) 1747-
Sir,
I had the honour of your letter of the 8th
March (O.S.) yesterday, when three packets ar-
rived together. I was then but just returned from
the Hague, where I had been by order of his
Royal Highness.
I found every thing preparing there for his set-
ting out the end of this week, in order to draw
the army together out of their winter-quarters.
The Austrians were to be, as this day, all passed
the Maese, to come into cantonments upon the
Dutch territories at hand, so as to be able to join
the whole body immediately. The Hanoverians,
who were the most remote, have likewise been in
motion for some days, to draw nearer together ; so
that by the end of the week, the whole will be
ready for the general rendezvous. Lord Sandwich
is strong in the belief, and assured me, that by
that time there would be an army of 110,000
men, effectives; which he reckoned thus ■ — En-
glish, Hanoverians, and Hessians, 38,000, Dutch
30,000, and Austrians 42,000 ; in which compu-
tation he had allowed a deficiency of 5000 to the
Dutch, who should be 35,000, and 6000 to the
Austrians, who call themselves 48,000 effectives,
12 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1747-
but none to our corps : to these he said there
would speedily he joined 6000 more, which the
Dutch have taken into pay from Germany, and
2000, our expected transport from Ireland ; so
that he was positive we should have an army of
about 120,000 effective men very soon in the field.
If this shall prove true, we may have reason to
hope for a successful campaign ; for it is hardly
probable that the enemy can be so strong, for the
beginning of the campaign at least : but, by all the
private information I can get, his Lordship will be
deceived in his computation, of the Dutch strength
at least ; but upon the whole, I think it very cer-
tain we shall have full 100,000 effective men to-
gether. Lord Sandwich returns in two or three
days to Breda. I could perceive, from his Lord-
ship's conversation, that a breach between the
courts of France and Spain was a more probable
expectation, than any accommodation among the
powers at war. The young Pretender is returned
to Paris, after a voyage of much discontent to
Madrid ; where he was allowed but a very short
stay, and dismissed with a present of four thousand
dollars to bear his expenses.
The French letters mention, that there was ac-
tually in the press a declaration of war against the
Dutch, or at least a manifesto to be sent to the
ministers of all courts, setting forth the reasons
and motives the King had to attack the Dutch
territories.
Marshal Saxe is at Brussels, some say much out
1747. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 13
of order. The French succours were not arrived
at Genoa. Since my last to Mr. Grenville(1), I have
paid two warrants to the forage contractors, for
about 20,000/. ; so the whole paid to them is now
about 40,000/. I observe by your letter, that you
have made a further remittance of 40,000/. for the
service of extraordinaries. I begin to foresee that
forage will be an immense article this campaign ;
for half the magazines made, being upon the Maese
up to Maestricht, will not probably be used, as it is
expected the troops will move another way, and I
find great schemes going forward for a further sup-
ply of an immense quantity, over and above the
magazines already contracted for.
I have great pleasure in receiving your com-
mands to correspond with you ; I must, however,
beg your indulgence to make allowances in the
news I shall write you, for the greatest part I hear
is very uncertain ; but I shall endeavour to distin-
guish such as I think you may depend upon, and
be very constant in giving you accounts of what I
hear, without any expectation of putting you out
of your way in writing to me often er than it suits
your leisure and conveniency. I concluded Mr.
Grenville would communicate to you what I wrote
to him ; or you should not have been so long with-
(!) The Hon. James Grenville, third son of Richard Gren-
ville, Esq., at this time member for the town of Buckingham,
deputy-paymaster to the forces, and one of the lords of trade.
In 1756 he was appointed a lord of the treasury, and died in
1783.
14) CORRESPONDENCE OF 1747
out hearing directly from myself. I am, with
great truth and regard,
Sir, your most obedient,
and most humble servant,
Thomas Orby Hunter.
THOMAS ORBY HUNTER, ESQ., TO MR. PITT.
Rotterdam, April 14, 1747, N. S.
Sir,
Since my last I have had nothing very material
to trouble you with.
Lord Sandwich returned suddenly and unex-
pectedly from Breda yesterday. Perhaps the
arrival of the young Pretender at Paris may have
occasioned his coming away ; as I understand that
gentleman's removal from Paris was the fixed pre-
liminary to the first meeting at Breda.
It seems confirmed from all quarters, that of the
French embarkation for Genoa, 1100 prisoners are
sent to Savona by Mr. Medley ; about 400 men
arrived in Genoa, and the rest were driven back
into the ports of France.
The Duke is at Tilbourg. His kitchen was
burnt down there, but no other harm done. To-
morrow our troops march out of Bois-le-duc, and
next week I believe the whole will be assembled
to commence operations. The French give out
174-7. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 15
they will come immediately to a decisive action ; if
so, they certainly must be stronger than us, which
I cannot believe, though I am still of opinion that
our force will be far short of what we had reason to
expect, and I believe the calculations I have sent
you upon that head will be found not to fall very
short of the reality.
I am, with great truth and esteem, Sir,
Your most obedient, &c, &c,
Thos. Orby Hunter.
THOMAS ORBY HUNTER, ESQ., TO MR. PITT.
Rotterdam, April 21, N. S. 1747.
Sir,
Since I had the honour of writing my last to you,
this country has been put into great confusion by
the enemy's invading the island of Cadsand in
Dutch Flanders, where they entered the 16th or
17th, and have possessed themselves of several
posts and fastnesses there, so as to cut off all com-
munication from Sluys, which is regularly invested
and must fall in a few days, as there is a disappoint-
ment in the effect of the inundation, and but a
weak garrison to defend it. Philippine is taken
after a short resistance, and Sas Van Ghent in-
vested. While this has been doing towards the
coast, another body of the French have taken Perle
16 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1747.
fort and the Doel, higher up the Scheldt ; so that
by this time they are masters of all that river to
the sea on one side, so that we can have no navi-
gation upon it, even up to Lillo. The Zealanders
have taken up arms, 'tis said for a Stadth older.
God knows what this may produce ! I hear the
people of Amsterdam are very unwilling, even as
yet, to look upon this violence as a breach of peace.
All Dutch Flanders, reckoned strong both by art
and situation, is lost as in a dream. If by con-
nivance, what can we think ? if by a fatality, I fear
the people of this Government are of such a de-
jected complexion, as to be frightened by it into
any compliance to the common enemy ; against
which there will be no remedy but an appeal
to the populace, from those who are well-inclined
patriots in the Government.
Our army moves to-day : the Dutch weakened
by the detachments they are obliged to make to
Zealand ; the Austrians not all passed the Maese ;
yet I hope the French will not be stronger, as they
have such separate corps another way ; for the
gain of a battle is, in my idea, the only thing that
can give a turn to the success of the campaign,
which has begun already so much against the
interest of the common cause. The French secre-
tary at the Hague gives out, that their army will
move out of their lines to meet and give us battle ;
if so, I hope in a few days to write something that
will make amends for the desponding letters I have
hitherto been obliged to send you.
1747- THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 17
Two French Indiamen of their outward-bound
fleet have been forced back by a storm ; one of
them is lost coming into port. A French ship of
war of forty guns has been so ill treated by one of
our privateers, that she sunk coming into port, and
all the people except the captain and five or six
others were drowned. People are so frightened
here, that all insurance upon homeward-bound ships
was refused this day upon 'Change. Lord Sandwich
is returned to Breda.
I am, with great truth, Sir,
Your most obedient, &c,
Thos. Orby Hunter.
THOMAS ORBY HUNTER, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Rotterdam, April 25, 1747.
Sir,
I imagine my last has given you curiosity enough
to expect another letter from me by this post.
Sluys is surrendered, but the news of the Philippines
being taken was not true ; as it seems the inunda-
tions took place better there and at the Sas Van
Ghent, so that it will cost the enemy some longer
time to make themselves masters of them. The
Zealanders continue in their vigorous resolution of
defending themselves, and we have now ten men-
of-war before the city of Middleburg, viz., Com-
modore Mitchell with five of his squadron, and such
vol. i. c
18 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1747.
convoys and cruizers as were near or at Helvoet.
This seems to have given great satisfaction to the
Dutch : to-morrow the states of Holland meet at
the Hague, and we have great curiosity to hear
what resolutions will be taken. Their determin-
ation, in my opinion, will turn upon which of their
fears is the greatest, that of France, or that of the
populace.
The army was to be all assembled on the 23d,
and the Duke's quarters were last night at Alphen,
within two good marches of the enemy. They
were to move forward as this morning ; so that to-
morrow may bring the two armies within sight of
each other. I wish our heavy train may get up in
time ; it has been long delayed for want of boats,
most of which fitting for this service having been
employed in carrying hay for the French to Ant-
werp ; who have kindly stopped their return.
Lord Sandwich is returned to the Hague, and, I
believe, for some time. He told me that he had
not seen the French ministers this last time at
Breda; perhaps for the reason I hinted to you in a
former letter.
I am, with great truth, Sir,
Your most obedient, &c,
Thos. Orby Hunter.
1747. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 19
THOMAS ORBY HUNTER, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Rotterdam, May 9, 174-7.
Sir,
The great work I have been advising you of,
in its progress, for some posts past, being now
completed, the Prince of Orange being declared
stadtholder of the Seven United Provinces, and
general of the Union, I have nothing further to
detain you upon that head, but to congratulate you
upon such a happy prospect of giving a good turn
to affairs in this dangerous crisis.
Upon the 3d of this month, the French attacked,
with great fury, the fort of Sandberg, an important
outwork of Hulst, but were beaten back. They
have renewed the attack since in nine different
assaults in the space of seven hours, which has
proved very fatal to them, having lost, as is com-
puted, upwards of two thousand men, and been
obliged to retire. The post was defended by three
Dutch battalions and the Royals ; our loss is about
five hundred men. Colonel Abercrombie is shot
through the leg (some say killed), and Major Sir
Charles Erskine is killed.
Our army is still in the same camp, waiting for
the battering train, which is not yet gone from
Dort. They are ill situated for forage, which
is obliged to be carried to them in carts and wag-
c 2
20 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1747-
gons five leagues, and one of the contractors in-
formed me to-day, that the expense of this trans-
porting amounts to 200/. per diem, which, for this
month, will come to 6000/. : so I see no end to the
expenses, which multiply in new shapes so fast,
that I can form no judgment for a calculation of
supply ; however, I hope success will make amends
for this heavy, though unavoidable charge.
I am, Sir, &c,
Thomas Orby Hunter.
THOMAS ORBY HUNTER, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Rotterdam, July 7, 1747.
Sir,
Upon receiving the favour of your leave to
attend my election in England ('), I set out for
Flushing to pass over to Dover ; but being there
detained four days by a contrary wind, I was out
of all time to expect to get soon enough for the
election, which comes on this day ; so I returned
yesterday.
I obeyed your commands in leaving the public
service in careful good hands, and have not re-
assumed the direction since my return, for this
reason : I intended to take your advice in it, had
(!) Mr. Orby Hunter represented the town of Winchelsea in
parliament for more than twenty years.
1747. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 21
I been so lucky as to have made my passage ; but
that failing, I am obliged to this manner of ac-
quainting you, that I have some doubt whether I
can hold this employment with a seat in parliament,
as the last place bill stands. Therefore, to avoid
any inconveniency that may arise on that head, I
hope you will think well of my resigning my em-
ployment as your deputy for the payment of the
troops abroad, trusting, that, if it is consistent with
my sitting in parliament, you will receive favour-
ably my application to be continued in the office,
but if it is not, that you will look upon me to
have resigned. In the mean time, I have put every
thing into the hands of Mr. Nichol, who was my
chief clerk. As he acts in every particular under
my eye, and by my advice, the public service has
the same care as before, and I look upon myself to
be bound and responsible to you for his care,
fidelity, and discretion.
I have the less reason to beg that you will not
think me guilty of the least slight to your friend-
ship in this affair, as it is a transaction that cannot
of itself exist, but under the supposition of having
your leave ; and the suddenness of the occasion
obliges me to have recourse to this formal expe-
dient of caution, which I flatter myself you will
approve of, when I shall inform you of my principal
motive to it, a properer subject of conversation
than a letter.
It grieves me that I have no better news to send
you, than the inclosed relation of the unfortunate
c 3
22 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1747.
battle of the 2d. (') Our army is marching down
the Maese, so that the French will lay siege to
Maestricht. Their accounts from Brussels make
their loss 11,000 men. Colonel Conway is pri-
soner. The killed and wounded we have no cer-
tain accounts of. The lists will come out by next
post, when I will send you the copies.
I am, with great regard, Sir, &c.
Thomas Orby Hunter.
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. (*)
[May — , 1747.]
My Lord Duke,
I cannot defer till your Grace's return from
Clermont doing myself the honour to make a
thousand acknowledgments for the favour of your
(x) The battle of Laffeldt, in which the Duke of Cumberland
was defeated.
(2) Thomas Pelham, eldest son of Lord Pelham, was born in
1693. By the will of his paternal uncle, John Holies Cavendish,
Duke of Newcastle, who died in 1711, he was left his adopted
heir, assumed the name and arms of Holies, and succeeded to a
great part of his vast estates. In 1715, he was created Duke of
Newcastle, and, in the same year, he married the Lady Harriet,
daughter of the Earl of Godolphin, and grand-daughter of John,
Duke of Marlborough. In 1724, on the dismissal of Lord
Carteret, he was appointed principal secretary of state ; which
situation he held till 1754, when he was appointed first lord
of the treasury. He retired from public life in 1762, and died
in 1768.
1747. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 23
letter. I most heartily wish your Grace joy of this
important defeat of the naval designs of France ('),
which cannot fail to have considerable effects upon
their affairs in general. As for me, I will own
to your Grace my public joy is quite sunk in pri-
vate concern. The high esteem and love I had
for poor Grenville (2), and what I feel for his most
afflicted brothers, reduces me to the hard (and, I
hope, pardonable) condition of being a mourner
in the midst of public rejoicing. Your Grace's
good-natured and humane attention for the family,
at a time when you had not a moment's leisure, and
so much else to engage your thoughts, I was sure
would be felt in such a manner, that I lost no time
in communicating it to all the brothers. (3) They
are most sincerely and sensibly touched with your
Grace's goodness, and have desired me to assure
your Grace, in the warmest manner, of the lasting
(!) The victory of Admiral Anson, off Cape Finisterre, on
the 3d of May, in which he took six French men-of-war,
several frigates, and great part of a numerous convoy.
(2) Captain Thomas Grenville, of the Defiance, who fell in
the action. He was the fifth son of Richard Grenville, Esq., by
Hester Temple, eldest daughter of Sir Richard Temple, Bart.,
of Stowe. He was a young man of the most amiable character
and promising genius, and died universally lamented. He was
severely wounded in the thigh, and submitted to his fate with
the most heroic resignation. His last words were, " How much
better it is to die thus, than to stand arraigned before a court-
martial!" His uncle, Lord Cobham, erected a column to his
memory in the gardens at Stowe.
(3) Richard, George, James, and Henry ; whose only sister,
Hester, Mr. Pitt afterwards married.
c 4
24 CORRESPONDENCE OF 174-7-8.
impressions it has made on them, and of the real
obligation they feel for it.
I will trouble your Grace no longer than to
assure you, that I have the honour to be, with the
greatest truth and respect,
Your Grace's most devoted humble servant,
W. Pitt.
THE HON. HENRY BILSON LEGGE (') TO MR. PITT.
Woburn Abbey, January 8, 1747-8.
Dear Sir,
I shall always remember, with the greatest
gratitude and affection, the kind concern you ex-
press for me, at a time when, if real consolation is to
be obtained, I am sure it can only be derived from
the friendship and society of such men as yourself.
The loss of my brother (2) was the stroke I dreaded
most, and is the severest I could have felt; and
(!) Mr. Legge was the fourth son of the Earl of Dartmouth,
and, at this time, a lord of the treasury. A few days after this
letter was written, he was appointed envoy extraordinary and
plenipotentiary to the court of Berlin ; whence he returned in
the following January. He became chancellor of the exchequer
in March, 1754, and again in 1756. He was dismissed in 1761,
and died August 23. 1764.
(2) The Hon. Edward Legge, fifth son of the Earl of Dart-
mouth. He was commodore of a squadron in the West Indies,
and died there in September, 1746. He had recently been
elected member for Portsmouth.
1747-8. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 25
though I know nothing is more vain and childish
than to lament the death of a mortal man, except
founding one's happiness upon the life of a seaman,
yet, to you, let me own my weakness. It has gone
deep into that provision of happiness which I had
foolishly laid up for my future life, and damped
that ambition which could have been much more
active in his behalf, than ever it will be in my own.
It was one article of that ambition which I often
counted upon, to have made him thoroughly known
to you ; and the more he had been so, I dare say,
the higher he would have stood in your love and
esteem. But these are the frigida curarum fo-
menta, which fill one's head all night long, and
cannot be too soon forgotten. Poor Grenville (')
tries all he can to teach me that lesson, and, I am
afraid, is very far from having learnt it himself.
I am sorry you do not give me a better account
of your health : the word middling falls very short
of my wishes upon that head ; but I hope more
Bath waters, the approach of the spring, much
riding, and, let me throw into the prescription,
another trip to the Lodge (2), will perfectly re-
(*) The Hon. George Grenville, second son of Richard Gren-
ville, Esq., at this time a lord of the treasury. In 1754, he was
appointed treasurer of the navy; in May, 1762, secretary of
state ; in October of the same year, first lord of the admiralty ;
and, in 1763, first lord of the treasury and chancellor of the
exchequer. He resigned July, 1765, and died in November,
1770.
(2) South Lodge in Enfield Chase, a favourite retreat of
Mr. Pitt; whose taste in laying out grounds was very great.
26 CORRESPONDENCE OF 174-7-8.
establish you. As to my own health, I never knew
it more robust in my life.
I do assure you, dear Sir, I have often lamented
that our acquaintance could not begin earlier ; but
though our friendship was born late, it has brought
a good constitution into the world with it, and I
beg that the inference to be drawn may be, that
we have the less time to lose in the mutual exercise
of it. Believe me ever,
Your most faithful
and affectionate friend and humble servant,
H. B. Legge.
All here are well, and play strenuously at Brag
every night.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, January 19, 1747-8.
Dear Sir,
I am extremely sorry to hear you are not quite
free from your disorder. I hope, in a very short
time, your health will be perfectly re-established.
One scene in the gardens of the Lodge, which was designed
by him, that of the temple of Pan and its accompaniments, is
mentioned by Mr. Whateley, in his " Observations on Modern
Gardening," as one of the happiest efforts of well-directed and
appropriate decoration.
1747-8. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. QJ
The public, and your friends, are infinitely con-
cerned in it. During your absence I have not
failed to use my best endeavours towards promoting
a perfect union and good correspondence with
Prussia. I have, in some measure, succeeded
beyond my expectations, though I cannot say I
have had much assistance in it. The King has
been pleased to agree to the instructions that were
prepared ; and I scarce know what could be added
to them. There may be some few things in which,
I dare say, we shall meet with no difficulty.
The great point was to find a proper person (*)
to execute these instructions ; and I think I have
thought of one, to whom the King has this day
readily agreed. It is Mr. Harry Legge. There is
capacity, integrity, quality, rank, and address — all
necessary qualifications, and nobody can think that
Mr. Legge is sent away at this time only to save
appearances. However, I have the satisfaction to
have done my part ; let others, if any there are,
(!) " Instead of deputing as ambassador to Berlin," ob-
serves Mr. Coxe, " a person of high distinction, who possessed
the full confidence of his sovereign and was provided with
specific instructions, much time was wasted in selecting an
envoy, who was not, at last, entrusted with full powers. Sir
Everard Fawkener was at first designated ; but, at length, the
choice fell on Mr. Legge, who, though a man of great talents
for business, was unfit for a foreign mission, and of a character
ill suited to the temper of that ' powerful casuist, whose extra-
ordinary dogmas were supported by 140,000 the most effectual
but convincing arguments in the world.' His mission to Berlin
only exposed him to the caprice and insolence of the Prussian
monarch." — Memoirs of Lord Walpolc, vol. ii. p. 304.
28 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1747-8.
who blame me, do better ; more honestly, I am
sure they cannot.
The last letters brought very good accounts
from abroad. All apprehension of an attack upon
Holland, during the winter, seems to be over. The
Dutch are getting their troops together apace ;
and Lord Sandwich thinks he may depend upon
40,000 Dutch, before the arrival of the Russians,
who were to begin their march last Saturday. By
the last letters it also seemed clear that the King
of Prussia did not at present intend to give any
disturbance ; so that I hope Mr. Legge, who will
set out immediately, will find things in a tolerable
good disposition there ; at least no party taken
against us. I am, with the greatest respect, dear
Sir,
Your most affectionate
humble servant,
Holles Newcastle.
THE HON. HENRY BILSON LEGGE TO MR PITT.
Berlin, May 10-21, 174-8.
Dear Pitt,
Though it is too much the practice of god-
fathers and godmothers to neglect all they promise
and vow in the name of those they represent, yet
give me leave to say, you, Sir, have made yourself
1748. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 29
so responsible to the public for the conduct of your
humble servant, that it imports you now and then
to inquire a little what he is about. For my own
part, I shall think I have a title to write to you,
as much and as often as I please, and upon any
thing I please ; and, however you may neglect your
duty, I shall at least preserve the ancient and decent
ceremony of asking your blessing from time to
time.
In the first place, I congratulate you and every
reasonable Englishman upon the signing of the pre-
liminaries. (') As much as I leant that way from
speculation only, before I left England, I own,
when I took a nearer view of the state of affairs,
saw how little promises of the most formal sort and
performance tallied together, that we were growing
ridiculous and contemptible, and should, as it were,
jlagitio damnum addere, my noble ardour for peace
was greatly heightened. I think I may use that
expression ; for, if I do not greatly mistake, true
courage has, for some time past, lain on the side of
peace.
In the mean while, I am far from despairing of
the republic. The abilities and good intentions
(*) The preliminaries of a general peace, which had been
signed at Aix, on the 19th of April. For taking the negotiation
relative to the bishopric of Osnaburg out of the hands of the
King's own agent at Berlin, and for an indiscreet expression
imputed to him, that his majesty's arrival at Hanover had de-
feated this design, Mr. Legge incurred the royal displeasure to
such a degree, that he was summoned to Hanover, and received
a severe reprimand — See Coxes Pelham, vol. i. p. 441.
30 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1748.
of some honest men I know, will, I dare say, in a
few years, by the arts of peace and good economy,
put England into more substantial health than vio-
lent remedies could ever have done ; and I know
you hold for regimen against physic. Dispositions
here are very favourable, at least in all appearance :
much might have been done formerly by proper
application, and still I think there is room to en-
o-ao-e a great fund of the best appointed strength in
the world, for the future security of the liberties of
Europe. I hope we shall not lose time, or think
of coquetting with a jilt, but bind her down by
solemn league and covenant to her own true interest
as well as ours, and the rather because, from the
disgust it may possibly give, that we have been so
unreasonable and absurd as to think of our own
salvation, perhaps we may be obliged to come
hither at last for a succedaneum. I hope that
option will never be put to us, and that we shall be
able to gain the one and keep the others ; but, at all
events, I should think we ought not to lose any op-
portunity of gaining so powerful a coadjutor in the
common cause.
You see I have repeated my catechism to you,
though you have not called upon me, as you ought
to have done. I hope you have perfectly reco-
vered your health, and that the indisposition I
left you under did not fasten upon you : change
of air, travelling, and new occupations of mind
have entirely restored me. I wish you would try
the same remedy upon the same road, if you are
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 31
not already as great a despiser of medicine as I wish.
Believe me, dear Sir,
Your most faithful, and
affectionate humble servant,
H. B. Legge.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, March 31, 1750.
Dear Sir,
As you are so good as to interest yourself in
every thing that relates immediately to my brother
and myself, and to express a very kind concern for
the result of the conference which we had yester-
day, and with the design of which I was weak
enough to be pleased, I think, in justice and grati-
tude, I am obliged to give you an early account of
what passed.
I am very sorry to say I found, at the first open-
ing, that I was much mistaken in the motives that
had produced it, which — instead of arising (as I
had hoped) from an inclination to come to a per-
fect agreement upon the composition and situation
of the administration at home (without which all
other considerations are fruitless), and a mutual
inclination and disposition to hear and understand
one another upon points relative to foreign affairs,
upon which there may have been difference of
32 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
opinion — the meeting was opened with oblique
reflections, ill-natured constructions upon the con-
duct of foreign affairs for this last year, and direct
complaint of the manner in which the Bavarian
negotiation had been begun. This necessarily
drew from me a justification of myself, the measures
I had pursued, and particularly the conduct of the
treaty with the Elector of Bavaria, which I did and
do assert to be as agreeable, as the nature and form
of business would admit, to what was determined
with Mr. Pelham at our previous meeting ; and
this my Lord Chancellor (') will testify, who was
present at all that passed, and which you will your-
self see by the draught of the article proposed,
which I take the liberty to send you inclosed.
After these very useless and very disagreeable
altercations about foreign affairs had taken up about
two hours, as I was to leave England in less than
three weeks, I thought it honest and necessary to
consider the situation of things at home ; which I
had vainly thought had been one principal object
of the meeting. I found an unwillingness to enter
at all into it, and when I mentioned the late trans-
action about the Regency, a pretended ignorance
of almost every thing relating to it. This laid me
under a necessity of making a declaration, which I
now repeat to you, that no considerations shall
induce me to remain where I am, after my return
to England, if things are to remain, mother respects,
(]) Philip Yorke, Lord Hardvvicke.
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 33
as they are. (') To which I had the answer I had
reason, from the former part of our conference, to
expect, viz., that I might do as I pleased, that
my brother would neither assist nor obstruct any
measure of that kind that I might propose.
Thus, Sir, you see I am left to myself, and to
take care of myself. I shall do it in the best
manner I can. I will do nothing rashly, and I
hope I am incapable of taking any step that, by
all impartial people, will not be thought becoming
a sincere, honest man, a faithful servant and friend
to my king and my country, and to those to
(') "In addition to the difficulties which Mr. Pelham at this
time experienced in conducting the measures of government in
the House of Commons, against a violent opposition, supported
by the influence of the Prince of Wales, he had to encounter
further obstructions from the political rivalry subsisting between
his brother and the Duke of Bedford, and the endless bicker-
ings which arose from their discordant tempers. The independent
spirit and impatience of control, which marked the character
of the latter, soon produced such discordance, that the Duke of
Newcastle made some ineffectual attempts to liberate himself
from so intractable an associate in office. — But although the
two brothers widely differed in opinion upon some particular
points, and were occasionally so irritated, as to express their
feelings in querulous language, yet their fraternal affection for
each other was rather interrupted than diminished. The re-
storation of harmony was effectually aided by their common
friends, the Lord Chancellor and Mr. Stone : in fact, their
quarrels, if we may use so strong an expression, were invariably
followed by a better understanding; and, as the Duke himself
aptly observed in one of his letters, seemed to verify the adage
of the poet —
Amantium ira?, amoris integratio est ! "
Coxes Pelham, vol. ii. p. 108.
VOL. I. D
34> CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
whom I profess friendship. Yours I always depend
upon, and it shall be my study to convince you,
that I am, in reality, what I now give under my
hand, dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend,
and obliged humble servant,
Holles Newcastle.
P. S. I refer you for the truth of this relation
to my Lord Chancellor and Mr. Stone, who were
present. (')
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Hanover, July 4-15, 1750. (2)
Dear Sir,
According to my promise, I take the oppor-
tunity of the first messenger, to repeat my thanks
for the honour of your most affectionate letter,
and to write more fully to you than I could do by
the post.
(]) Andrew Stone., Esq., formerly private secretary to the
Duke of Newcastle, but at this time under-secretary of state.
He was greatly respected by the two brothers, and, as well as
the Lord Chancellor, frequently acted as a mediator, in re-
conciling the differences between them. Lie afterwards filled
the important office of sub-governor to Prince George. He
was also appointed keeper of the State-Paper office, and, on the
marriage of George the Third, treasurer to the Queen. He
died in 1773.
('-') In his visit to Hanover, immediately after the close of the
session, the King was accompanied by the Duke of Newcastle.
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 35
I must begin with what you are so good as to
mention, and in the kindest manner to interest
yourself in, — the satisfaction my brother had
showed at the confidential intercourse there had
been between us since I left England. (') I had,
I own, flattered myself before the receipt of your
letter, that the unreservedness with which I had
wrote upon all subjects, the strict adherence to
what I had promised upon points where, perhaps,
there might still remain some little difference of
opinion, and the unexpected success (as far as
present appearances could go) in all I had under-
taken, and what he seemed to wish, had made a
strong impression upon him, and in those hopes I
was greatly confirmed by your letter ; but I am
sorry to say, that by some letters I have received
since, my satisfaction is greatly abated. I find a
great alteration in style and manner, little or no
approbation of any thing, suspicions and jealousies
without the least foundation, and contrary to direct
and positive assurances ; and, what is still worse, I
can attribute this unaccountable and sudden change
(!) " I have had a long discourse with Pitt. He seems mighty
happy with an opinion, that his interposition, and his truly friendly
offices, have had a good effect in bringing you and me nearer
to each other. I most sincerely desire you to go on in your
correspondence with him, with all the frankness and cordiality
you can ; I do so, in all my conversations with him. I think
him, besides, the most able and useful man we have amongst
us ; truly honourable, and strictly honest. He is as firm a
friend to us, as we can wish for ; and a more useful one there
does not exist." Henry Pelham to the Duke of Newcastle. —
Newcastle Papers.
D 2
36 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
to nothing but a confidential letter I wrote to him,
wherein I expressed my thoughts upon the late
public demonstrations which have been given by a
part of the Royal Family, of preference, coun-
tenance, and offensive support of that part of the
administration, which is so universally thought to
be in opposition to me(l); and I could not but
lament the weakness and unkindness of my parti-
cular friends, who had been drawn in to make part
of the show : — and is this sufficient to give a
different turn to all I am doing, and all I profess ?
Whether I shall keep my word or not, time will
show — that I have kept it hitherto, facts, undeni-
able facts, do show.
The two points that you must remember were
the most strongly recommended to me (with some
sort of doubt and diffidence, as to the execution)
were, first, the not concluding the treaty of Bavaria,
without a positive or sufficient security for the
electoral vote ; the second, the setting imme-
diately about that affair, and, if possible, the bring-
ing it to bear, even this summer. Upon these
(*) " I think it a little hard, that the Duke of Cumberland and
the Princess Amelia should use me so cruelly as they have
done : excommunicate me from all society, set a kind of brand
or mark upon me, and all who think with me, and set up a new,
unknown, factious young party" [meaning Lord Sandwich and
the Duke of Bedford] "to rival me, and nose me every where.
This goes to my heart. I am sensible, if I could have submitted,
and cringed to such visage, the public appearances would have
been better, and perhaps some secret stabs been avoided ; but I
was too proud and too innocent, to do it." The Duke of New-
castle to Mr. Pelham, Hague, May 9th-20th. — Neiccastle Papers.
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 37
two points, I have not only acted up to, but gone
much beyond what was prescribed me, or I believe,
thought practicable by any one man alive. I have
declared in writing, both to the court of Vienna
and to the Elector of Bavaria, that if his Electoral
Highness does not give us sufficient security, that
he will give his vote for a King of the Romans
(understood to be the Archduke Joseph), the
King will not proceed in the negotiation with
Bavaria (') ; and I have since declared shortly to
M. Hashing (2), that the electoral vote is a condition
sine qua non, and that it is to no purpose to be
spending time in negotiation : with that, we will
agree ; without it, we will not on any account
whatever, and Haslang has no doubt of the com-
pliance of his court.
I have wrote so strongly to the court of Vienna,
of the necessity of their immediately setting about
this work, and showing all possible and reasonable
facilities on their part for the success of it, by re-
(!) " Notwithstanding the disputes on the Barrier treaty,
the King endeavoured to secure the Imperial dignity in the
Austrian family, and was anxious to prevent the evils, likely to
result from a vacancy in the Imperial throne, by obtaining the
election of the Archduke Joseph, as King of the Romans. This
expedient had been occasionally adopted, when the heir of the
reigning sovereign had attained his majority ; but the young
prince being only in his tenth year, the attempt to elect a
minor was not justified by any precedent, since the accession
of Rodolph of Hapsburg, the founder of the Austrian dynasty."
— Coxes Pelham Administration, vol. ii. p. 119.
(2) Count Haslang, the Bavarian minister.
D 3
38 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
moving any cause of jealousy and uneasiness that
the electors and princes of the empire may have,
and particularly by redressing the grievances of the
Protestants in the empire ; — that we have had the
most affectionate, the most satisfactory, and the
most promising answer from the court of Vienna,
that the most sanguine man could wish or hope for;
and for the truth of all these facts, I appeal to
papers in writing, and measures actually taken,
pursuant to them. Orders are actually given for
the redress of the principal grievances complained
of by the Protestant princes, and the others put
in a method of being tried, and determined accord-
ing to the treaties : and to show the real desire
of the Emperor and Empress to bring this great
measure to perfection, and that forthwith ; an un-
exceptionable man of weight and confidence, per-
fectly versed in the laws and constitution of the
empire, is not only named to come hither, but I
believe actually upon the road, to concert the
proper measures of immediately bringing about
the election of the Archduke to be King of the
Romans : and whilst we are thus negotiating, and
fixing our objects with the courts of Vienna and
Munich, we have not neglected others necessary
for our great view ; and I do not say too much, if
I assure you there is the greatest reason to think
that we shall very, very soon be secure of the votes
of Mayence, Treves, and Palatine ; which, with the
Electors of Bavaria, Cologne, Bohemia, and Han-
over, make seven out of the nine, and that, without
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 39
any farther subsidy, but what is given to Cologne,
and is now negotiating with Bavaria.
If this is brought about, I will say, let who will
deny it, it is as great and as successful a negotia-
tion, as ever was brought to perfection in time of
peace ; and one might say more, considering the
present circumstances of Europe. If my expect-
ations do not succeed, and I should miscarry in
one, or in every point, there is no hurt done j there
is no money given, but upon the very terms that
were more wished than expected, when I left
London ; and you must remember the difficulty we
had in wording an article, which is now proposed
to be done, by a positive declaration in writing,
to be given by Haslang, at the time of signing
the treaty, though to be called Declaration Verbale.
To all this, the republic of Holland consents, and
M. Hop is actually coming here, with ample
power to sign the treaty of Bavaria, engaging to
pay one third of the subsidy.
At the same time that I have been endeavour-
ing to promote the success of a system, which I
think will greatly tend to secure the future peace
and tranquillity of Europe, in which we are so
essentially concerned, I have not neglected the
immediate interests of Great Britain, but have or-
dered such strong remonstrances to be made at the
court of France, against the late violent and hostile
proceedings of their governors in America, as have
produced a direct disavowal of M. de la Jonquiere,
and of all their proceedings, a promise of redress
d 4-
40 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
and satisfaction, and an admission by M. de Puis-
sieulx(1), that as what was done was within the
peninsula, they could not be justified (2). My Lord
Albemarle (3) had, as I wrote you word, done very
well himself, before he received orders from hence ;
but since the receipt of those orders, he has ex-
erted [himself] further, and met with more success;
and I have had the mortification of a letter from
my brother, " that he feared, had my Lord Albe-
marle received my strong orders, he would not
have had so satisfactory an answer ; " which since
appears to be contrary to fact.
This is my comfort, and this is my reward ; but,
however, I will do my duty, and hope this will pass
over. I have also sent to the Duke of Bedford (4),
(!) The French secretary of state for fore'gn affairs.
(2) Notwithstanding the stipulation by treaty, that all things
should remain on the same footing as before the war, the
French made constant encroachments in America, and not only
evinced an intention of appropriating the islands of St. Lucia,
St. Vincent, and Dominica, which had hitherto been regarded
as neutral, but had actually taken possession of Tobago, which
was considered as belonging to England. The forcible remon-
strances, however, of the Duke of Newcastle, induced them to
abandon their settlements in Tobago, after having destroyed the
forts ; but the evacuation of St. Lucia and St. Vincent was still
delayed, under various pretences. See Coxe's Pelham, vol. ii.
p. 123.
(3) William Anne Van Keppel, second Earl of Albemarle,
ambassador at the Court of Versailles, knight of the garter,
groom of the stole, &c. He died suddenly at Paris, December
22, 1754.
(4) John Russell, fourth Duke of Bedford, at this time joint
secretary of state with the Duke of Newcastle. In 1757, he
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 41
that the Commissioners may be furnished with all
the proofs to support our right to the extended
boundary, and on no account to depart from it.
The present disposition of the French ministry
enables us to do these things, and talk this language,
without running the risk of a rupture ; and this,
therefore, is the time when a king of the Romans
should be elected, and every measure taken that
is proper and necessary for future security, though
perhaps it may not be agreeable to the wishes and
future views of France.
As to my private negotiation with M. de Mire-
poix Q, it is now at a stand. I have had a letter
from him, that they had made the proposal (it is
Mirepoix's proposal) to Sweden, and that they
had rejected it ; so that we must wait, he says,
for some other expedient, and recommends it to
the King to be thinking of one, and gives great
assurances of the French King's good disposition,
and inclination to concur in any proper measure
for the security of the peace of the North. I shall
was appointed lord lieutenant of Ireland; in 1761, lord privy-
seal ; in 1762, minister plenipotentiary to the court of France ;
and in 1763, president of the council. He died in 1771.
(!) The Marquis de Mirepoix, (afterwards Duke, and Marshal
of France,) ambassador to England. " He was much esteemed,"
says Horace Walpole, " in England, having little of the manners
of his country, where he had seldom lived ; and, except a passion
for dancing, and for the gracefulness of his own figure, there was
nothing in his character that did not fall in naturally enough
with the seriousness of the English and German courts." He
died at Montpellier, in 1757.
42 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
answer him, that we can suggest nothing new ; we
had suggested the giving reciprocal declarations,
which France rejected; he, Mirepoix, had proposed
another expedient, which Sweden had rejected ; so
we must endeavour to keep things quiet till some
other method should offer. All parties are disposed
to keep peace, and therefore peace will be kept.
France is perfectly satisfied with us ; and indeed,
they cannot be otherwise, when we would have
accepted their own proposal.
I believe you begin, by this time, to be weary
of your new correspondent. I never can be so, in
writing to you, and opening my whole heart to
you. I know your affection, and I know your
discretion, and therefore I send you all these confi-
dential particulars to make such use of as you
think proper. If you cannot make a good one, I
am sure you will make none at all. In all events,
let me have the pleasure of hearing often and
freely from you, but always by messengers. They
come every Friday from London hither. Mr.
Brown, at the Duke of Bedford's office, or Noble,
the chamber-keeper of my office, will always con-
vey your letters safe. The Duchess of Newcastle
desires her compliments to you.
I am, dear Sir,
Ever most affectionately yours,
Holles Newcastle.
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 43
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Hanover, August, 12—23, 1750.
Dear Sir,
Though I am quite tired with writing, I could
not let the messenger go from hence with a treaty,
made and signed by me, of the consequence of that
concluded here last night, without saying one word
upon it, to one who is so good as to interest him-
self in every thing; that concerns me, and who is
able to judge of what I do, and so desirous that it
should be well done. I believe my brother will
show you the account I send him of this whole
transaction. (') It has been carried on, and is now
finished, upon the principles that he, you, and I,
all agree in. I send you, in the greatest secrecy
and confidence, a copy of the declaration for the
electoral vote : nothing can be stronger, and it is
plainly a condition of the treaty. The subsidy is
indeed continued for six years ; but the Empress
Queen takes one fourth part of it upon her, and
the Elector of Bavaria accepts that and has dis-
charged us of it, so that we have all the benefit of
(') " Your account of Pitt gives me great pleasure, and the
more., as it is accompanied with the kindest reflection, from
yourself, imaginable. I wish you would show him my letter
about our foreign affairs ; I believe it would please him. I shall
write him two words by this messenger." Duke of Newcastle
to Mr. Pelham, August 12-23. 1750.
44 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
the treaty for two years longer, and only pay
13,000/. more in the six years.
I think I have been a good economist for the
public ; at least I hope my friends will be pleased
with me. This certainly lays a foundation of a solid
system for the preservation of the peace, without
giving offence to any body. But I am enlarging
further than my time permits ; I cannot avoid, how-
ever, thanking you for that kind and affectionate
and successful part you have acted with my brother
and I. He is as full of it as I am ; we are both
truly grateful and truly obedient. I have received
the kindest and the wisest letter that ever man wrote.
I have wrote him as kind a one in answer, and I
hope as wise a one, because I entirely give myself
up to his advice. I can say no more at present ;
I am full of business, full of joy upon public trans-
actions, full of the goodness of my friends, and if
I hear a good account of my dear friend, the Duke
of Richmond, full of joy upon all accounts, and
Ever and unalterably yours,
Holles Newcastle.
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
Pay-Office, August 24, 1750.
My Lord,
I found, upon my return from Stowe last night,
the honour of your Grace's most obliging letter of
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 4.5
the 12th, O. $. The contents of it have filled me
with every kind of satisfaction. I rejoice on the
public account at the success of a most wise and
salutary measure; I rejoice most sincerely on your
Grace's personal account, that the King, the nation,
and all Europe owe this to your honest and able
conduct; and let me add, the private and par-
ticular joy I feel in the justice your Grace does
me to believe, that I warmly interest myself for
your success and your glory. I think the last
word not at all too strong for the event ; provided
the election of the Archduke be accomplished, in
consequence of the treaty you have been able to
carry through so many difficulties, to a happy con-
clusion. The object all must applaud, and the
greatest economists cannot complain of the ex-
pense ; for it is but justice to own, you have paid
with ability more than with money. May this
great work go forward, and your Grace will bring
the King home to meet the nation, with as much
lustre as his most faithful and zealous servants
need to wish.
I find Mr. Pelham in the highest satisfaction
at this event, and truly happy with the kind cor-
respondence between you. You are both infinitely
too good to mention, as you are pleased to do, my
poor little part between you. My good wishes
were sincere, and wishing well was all I could
possibly have to do. I should be foolishly vain
with a witness, if I ascribed the least part of the
perfect union between you to any thing but your
46 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750-
own good hearts and understandings. I need say
nothing of the interior of administration. Your
Grace and Mr. Pelham, united as you are, must
certainly be masters to give it such a shape as
may best suit your situations and views ; of which
you alone must be judges. Whatever determin-
ation you come to, I heartily wish it may more
and more secure and strengthen power and au-
thority in your hands.
I congratulate your Grace on the Duchess of
Newcastle's recovery, and beg leave to assure her
Grace of my most respectful compliments. I am
truly sorry to have condolence to mix with so
much joy and congratulation. I heartily lament
your great loss of the Duke of Richmond.1
I am, with perfect attachment,
Your Grace's most devoted humble servant,
W. Pitt.
(') Charles Lennox, second Duke of Richmond, knight of
the garter, and master of the horse. He died August 8, 1750,
at the age of forty-nine. " Death or retreat," writes Mr. Pel-
ham to his brother, " has taken away all our old friends and
fellow servants, the Duke of Grafton, Lord Chancellor, and
yourself excepted. In a little while there will be but one
man in the cabinet council, with whom we began the world,
or carried on business, till within these very few years. I own
this reflection often strikes me, and makes me greatly fear new
experiments. It is extraordinary that three of our own ages,
pretty near, all old and intimate acquaintance, should die out
of that body in less than a year." — Newcastle Papers. The
two other friends here alluded to were Henry Herbert^ ninth
Earl of Pembroke, who died suddenly, January 9, 1749-50,
in his forty-eighth year ; and John, Duke of Montagu, master
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 47
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Hanover, September 9 — 20, 1750.
Dear Sir,
The kind approbation you have been pleased
to give of the success of my endeavours for the
public service, has made all the impression that
must arise to one who knows the value of your
friendship, and the weight and consequence of
your opinion, as well as I do. I have not failed
to acquaint the King with that proper zeal, satis-
faction, and regard for his Majesty's honour and
service, which is shewed in your letter, and I may
say, it was not thrown away.
I have had further difficulties with Bavaria. I
think they will all be got over by to-morrow night,
and the ratifications exchanged. I think our af-
fair at home will take a very lucky turn. The
King proposes himself, and from himself, an alter-
ation, and I have some reason to hope that such
a one may be found out, as may be accepted with
pleasure, at least seemingly so. My brother will
explain this further to you, more fully than I
have time to do at present, the messenger being
just setting out. I take most kindly the part you
general of the ordnance, who die J, July 6, 1749, in the same
year of his age.
48 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
take in my late inexpressible loss, and in every
thing that concerns me. The Duchess of New-
castle begs her most sincere thanks for your con-
cern for her.
I am ever, dear Sir,
most affectionately yours,
Holles Newcastle.
P. S. I believe the 22d of October, O. S„ his
Majesty will leave this place, on his return to
England.
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
[Extract of a Letter. Date probably October, — , 1750.]
The alteration thought of at home I have al-
ways seen so full of difficulties in itself and in the
consequential arrangements, that I felicitate your
Grace upon seeing your way through it. What-
ever it be the King proposes in this matter, himself,
and from himself (as your Grace terms it), I can
only say with great truth for one, that I wish it
may meet with perfect acquiescence from all quar-
ters. I find Mr. Pelham (whatever inconveniences
he may apprehend) in all the general dispositions
to acquiesce and accommodate, that your Grace
could wish. I understand from him, that the
arrangement for the Duke of Bedford will probably
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 49
lie between master of the horse and President;
and fortunate I shall think it, if he is quieted and
disarmed by either ; which it is, I imagine not very
material.
I cannot conclude without assuring your Grace
of my warmest gratitude for the kind use you
were so good as to make of some expressions in
my letter : nothing can touch me so sensibly as
any good office in that place, where I deservedly
stand in need of it so much, and where I have it so
much at heart to efface the past by every action of
my life. I am,
Your Grace's most devoted,
and most obedient, &c,
W. Pitt. (')
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY PELHAM TO MR. PITT.
October 12, 1750.
Dear Sir,
I cannot help sending to you the most agree-
able public news I have received since the treaty
of Aix. Last night came an express from Mr.
(!) The part which Mr. Pitt had taken against the system of
foreign subsidies was very displeasing to the King ; nor did
his Majesty ever entirely forgive the vigorous opposition which
had been made by him in Parliament, in 1743 and 1744, to the
measures proposed for the defence of Hanover.
VOL. I. E
50 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
Keene (*)> with a treaty signed by him and Mr.
Carvajal. (2) I had but just time to read it cur-
sorily over, but I think it answers almost all our
great national points. It may to willing minds,
be liable to cavil, and some popular objections ;
but, on the whole, to those who really know our
situation both at home and abroad, in my poor
opinion, it must rather seem a wonderful event,
that Spain should separately conclude with us, at
a time when France is, if she knew it, in a con-
dition almost to dictate her own terms to all Eu-
rope. I hope and believe, when you see it and
consider the whole, you will be of opinion, that
my friend Keene has acted ably, honestly, and
bravely ; but, poor man ! he is so sore with old
bruises, that he still feels the smart, and fears
another thrashing. (3) I know nothing of what
our brethren, here or abroad, think of what he
has done. I know he was authorised to close with
worse conditions ; and therefore, excepting to
yourself, I have only told the fact, that a treaty is
signed. When I know more, and hear more, you
shall have another letter from me. What strikes
me the most is, that we now know the ground we
(J) Benjamin Keene, afterwards knight of the bath, for many
years British ambassador at the Court of Madrid.
(2) Don Joseph Carvajal, the favourite minister of Ferdi-
nand VI.
(3) Mr. Keene had been much abused by the Opposition in Sir
Robert Walpole's time, under the name of " Don Benjamin," for
having concluded the Convention with Spain, in 1739.
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 51
stand upon : there can be no resort to quibbles or
doubtful constructions ; the thing is right or
wrong, and that is always to be governed by times
and circumstances.
I had a letter from the Duke of Newcastle this
day. He sets out from Hanover next Monday,
but as he takes a circuit, not only to Looe and the
Hague, but afterwards to Calais, where he meets
the Duchess of Newcastle, I question whether he
will be in England before the King. His Majesty
has not positively named the day that he will
leave Hanover ', but most people agree that it will
be the 29th or 80th of this month. If so, he
cannot be here till the second week in November ;
and as I understand he will keep his birthday in a
short time after he comes here, I thought you
would be willing to know how the Hanover dis-
position was, that you might order your affairs
accordingly.
I conclude we shall scarce see you, till the time
of his Majesty's intended arrival. I own I don't
wish it, for I am satisfied the Bath waters will do
you good; and if I see rightly into our domestic
affairs, I should be sorry to think of your return-
ing to Bath, after we have once seen you here.
I could give you, at the close of this letter, a
disagreeable account of a certain correspondence ;
but, as I am determined it shall have no effect, I
think it as prudent not to mention it at all. If
national things go right, and we are to deal with
honest gamesters, whether they play well or ill,
e 2
52 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
cunningly, or foolishly, good cards will win the
game. You see I am in spirits, notwithstanding
what I conceal. I shall now set heartily to work
with the South Sea Company, and if I can bring
them into terms, in my department, all will go well.
The Bank and I are agreed ; they will pay off all
the unsubscribed annuities at their House and the
Exchequer, and take 3 per cent. I hope the
South Sea will do the same.
I am, dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
H. Pelham.
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY PELHAM TO MR. PITT.
October 20, 1750.
Dear Sir,
I send you, according to your desire, an exact
copy of the treaty lately concluded at Madrid, and
as Mr. John Pitt (*) will deliver it into your own
hands, there is no danger of its falling into any
other. I am no great critic in treaties, but I think
this is a plain renewal of all the advantageous
ones we have had with Spain ; that of 1670, which
I understand is what they call the American
treaty, is confirmed by the treaty of Aix, and of
consequence is included in that. Every article of
(') Son of George Pitt, Esq. of Strathfieldsay, at this time
one of the lords of trade, and member for Wareham.
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 53
the treaty of 1715 is specifically mentioned in
this, excepting that agreement which was made
between some of our merchants and the people of
St. Andero in the year 1700. That Spain would
on no account come into, as thinking it repugnant
to their own honour and sovereignty amongst
themselves. I have made some inquiry into it,
and find it was rather a puff of the times than any
thing essential in itself; no use has been made of
it from that time to this, nor have any of our mer-
chants ever applied about it. The great thing is
done ; we know the ground we stand upon, and a
friendly treaty is concluded between us and Spain,
without the intervention of any other power. The
sum paid to the South Sea Company is small : they
think so, and will therefore hope for better terms
from us than I am willing to give them. Some
advantages they ought to have, and I will work
hard to bring them into reasonable ones.
There is no news from Hanover by the last
mail. The Duke of Newcastle did design setting
out as last Monday, but I conclude this treaty
will keep him a day or two longer. No one thinks
of the King being here before the 4th of Novem-
ber ; I hope we shall see him by that time, or soon
after. I find Jack Pitt is very anxious about
quitting his seat in Parliament, in order to be
chosen at Dorchester. (') You know the only diffi-
(]) In the following January, he vacated his seat for Ware-
ham, and was elected for Dorchester.
E 3
54 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
culty. I have assured him I will do my best when
the King comes over ; had I left it to be managed
at Hanover, I am morally sure it would not have
ended well. But I hope, when I can speak my-
self, it will do. I must beg you to make him
easy. I believe he is satisfied as to my intentions,
and I should do wrong by him, if I was to venture
the success, for the sake of saying I have wrote
strong upon the subject.
I am, dear Sir,
Your most faithful and
most obedient Servant,
H. Pelham.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Claremont, November 17, 1750.
Dear Sir,
Your goodness to me encourages me to give
you the trouble of reading a voluminous corre-
spondence ; at the same time that it convinces me,
I may do it with the utmost security. You will
see by the particulars in the inclosed letters, how
hard my fate is. I think it is impossible for one
brother to write more truly through heart and
soul to another than I do, and that in the most
affectionate manner ; no single circumstance con-
cealed, or any forced construction put upon any
part of my intelligence. Of what nature are the
1750. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 55
answers, you will now be able to judge. There
are two things, I think plain : first, that the notion
of removing the Duke of Bedford came originally
and solely from the King, without any condition or
restriction of his Grace's consent to take any other
place, and at first, without even the condition of the
consent of the Council, which was added afterwards.
Secondly, that my good brother was always afraid
lest it should take place, even though both the
King and the Duke of Bedford should agree to it.
And yet I am so unhappy, that his Majesty
now is pleased to say he never meant any thing
further than that the Duke of Bedford should ex-
change his employment, if it was agreeable to him,
and not otherwise, and my brother now affirms he
wishes the exchange upon that condition.
I have in these letters sufficiently showed him
the terrible situation I should be left in. That at
least, I think, should have made him more cautious ;
but the bait was too strong to be lost, and the op-
portunity too good to be neglected. The thing is
over, and I am every hour more convinced that it
is impossible for me to stay with ease and reputa-
tion, much less with credit and influence. I shall
take an opportunity of talking to the King ; after
that, upon full consultation with you and my
Lord Chancellor, I must take my resolution. Q)
(') The Duke's threats of resignation were not put into exe-
cution ; but his displeasure against his brother was carried
to such a degree, that all private intercourse between them was
suspended. However, in the following January, an overture
E 4
56 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1750.
There are many things in these letters that con-
cern third persons whom I love and honour.
I am sure that part also is safe with you ; I
show you the whole, because I will conceal nothing,
that you may judge the better what advice to give
to him, who, you see is without reserve,
Dear Sir,
Most sincerely and affectionately yours,
Holles Newcastle.
MR. PITT TO HORATIO WALPOLE, ESQ. (•)
December 3, 1750.
Dear Sir,
I return you, with a thousand thanks, the ob-
servations on the Spanish treaty (2) ; which are
so material and instructive, that I could have
wished to have kept them longer in my hands. I
made by Mr. Pelham, through the medium of his son-in-law, the
Earl of Lincoln, was readily accepted by the Duke, and a cordial
reconciliation ensued.
(') In June, 1756, created Baron Walpole, of Wolterton.
He died in the following February, in his seventy-ninth year.
(2) Having discovered, what he considered an important
omission in the definitive treaty of Aix, Mr. Walpole drew up
some observations, which he styled a Rhapsody of Foreign Poli-
tics. " I shall communicate them," he says, in a letter to Lord
Hardwicke, " to none but friends, and to but few of them. Mr.
William Pitt, who I look upon as very zealous for the adminis-
tration and very discreet as well as able, has had a perusal of
them."
1751. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 57
shall, with great pleasure, take the first oppor-
tunity of waiting on you, in hopes of some farther
conversation upon this very national concern. I
am, with a very sincere sense of your great good-
ness to me,
Your, &c. &c,
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ. (1)
[September — , 1751 ?] (2)
My dear Child,
I am extremely pleased with your translation
now it is writ over fair. It is very close to the
sense of the original, and done, in many places,
with much spirit, as well as the numbers not
lame, or rough. However, an attention to Mr.
Pope's numbers will make you avoid some ill
(') Thomas Pitt was the only son of Mr. Pitt's elder brother,
Thomas Pitt of Boconnock in the county of Cornwall. He was
born in March 1737, and sat in several parliaments for the
borough of Old Sarum, of which he was the proprietor. He was
appointed a lord of the admiralty in 1763, and created Lord
Camelford in 1783. In July 1771, he married Anne, daughter
and co-heir of Pinkney Wilkinson of Burnham in Norfolk, by
whom he had one son, Thomas, his successor, who was killed in
a duel in 1804, and one daughter, Anne, who was married, in 1792,
to William Lord Grenville. He died at Florence in 1793.
(2) The above is the first of a series of twenty-three letters,
written by Mr. Pitt to his nephew, and published by Lord Gren-
ville, in 1804-. They are introduced by the following appropriate
Dedication and Preface : —
58 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1751.
sounds, and hobbling of the verse, by only trans-
posing a word or two, in many instances. I have,
" To the Right Hon. William Pitt.
Dropmore, December 3, 1803.
" My dear Sir,
" When you expressed to me your entire concurrence in my
wish to print the following letters, you were not apprized that
this address would accompany them. By you it will, I trust, be
received as a testimony of affectionate friendship. To others
the propriety will be obvious of inscribing with your name a
publication, in which Lord Chatham teaches how great talents
may most successfully be cultivated, and to what objects they
may most honourably be directed.
" Grenville."
" Preface.
" The following letters were addressed by the late Lord Chatham
to his nephew, Mr. Pitt, (afterwards Lord Camelford) then at
Cambridge. They are few in number, written for the private
use of an individual during a short period of time, and contain-
ing only such detached observations on the extensive subjects
to which they relate, as occasion might happen to suggest in the
course of familiar correspondence. Yet even these imperfect
remains will undoubtedly be received by the public with no
common interest, as well from their own intrinsic value, as from
the picture which they display of the character of their author.
The editor's wish to do honour to the memory both of the per-
son by whom they were written, and of him to whom they were
addressed, would alone have rendered him desirous of making
these papers public. But he feels a much higher motive in the
hope of promoting by such a publication the inseparable interests
of learning, virtue, and religion. By the writers of that school,
whose philosophy consists in the degradation of virtue, it has
often been triumphantly declared, that no excellence of character
1751. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 59
upon reading the eclogue over again, altered the
third, fourth, and fifth lines, in order to bring them
can stand the test of close observation ; that no man is a hero
to his domestic servants, or to his familiar friends. How much
more just, as well as more amiable and dignified, is the opposite
sentiment, delivered to us in the words of Plutarch, and illus-
trated throughout all his writings ! ' Real virtue,' says that
inimitable moralist, ' is most loved where it is most nearly seen :
and no respect which it commands from strangers can equal the
never-ceasing admiration it excites in the daily intercourse of
domestic life.' T-^ dkrftivvjs dpeT7J$ KaKkuna. ipdiverai to, fJidXiinroc
<paivo[AEVCC' Kal tuv dya^sSv dvZpuv ovdlv ovru 5a.v[/.d<7tov too; exTOf, uq o
ko.%' rjfAEfav filo$ ro*V (rwovcriv. — Plut. Vit. Periclis.
" The following correspondence, imperfect as it is, (and who
will not lament that many more such letters are not preserved ?)
exhibits a great orator, statesman, and patriot, in one of the
most interesting relations of private society. Not, as in the ca-
binet or the senate, enforcing by a vigorous and commanding
eloquence those councils to which his country owed her pre-
eminence and glory ; but implanting, with parental kindness,
into the mind of an ingenuous youth, seeds of wisdom and virtue,
which ripened into full maturity in the character of a most ac-
complished man : directing him to the acquisition of knowledge *,
as the best instrument of action ; teaching him by the cultivation
of his reason, to strengthen and establish in his heart those prin-
ciples of moral rectitude which were congenial to it ; and, above
all, exhorting him to regulate the whole conduct of his life by
the predominant influence of gratitude, and obedience to God,
as the only sure groundwork of every human duty.
" What parent anxious for the character and success of a
son, born to any liberal station in this great and free country,
* Ingenium illustre altioribus studiis juvenis admodum dedit; nonut
nomine magnifico segne otium velarut, sed quo firmior adversus fortuita
Rempublicam capesseret. — Tacitus.
60 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1751.
nearer to the Latin, as well as to render some
beauty, which is contained in the repetition ot
words in tender passages ; for example : —
" Nos patriae fines, et dulcia linquimus arva ;
Nos patriam fugimus : tu, Tityre, lentus in umbra,
Formosam resonare doces Amaryllida sylvas."
" "We leave our native land, these fields so sweet ;
Our country leave : at ease, in cool retreat,
You, Thyrsis, bid the woods fair Daphne's name repeat."
would not, in all that related to his education, gladly have re-
sorted to the advice of such a man ? What youthful spirit, ani-
mated by any desire of future excellence, and looking for the
gratification of that desire, in the pursuits of honourable ambition,
or in the consciousness of an upright, active, and useful life, would
not embrace with transport any opportunity of listening on
such a subject to the lessons of Lord Chatham ? They are here
before him. Not delivered with the authority of a preceptor,
or a parent, but tempered by the affection of a friend towards a
disposition and character well entitled to such regard.
" On that disposition and character the editor forbears to en-
large. Their best panegyric will be found in the following pages.
Lord Camelford is there described such as Lord Chatham judged
him in the first dawn of his youth, and such as he continued to
his latest hour. The same suavity of manners and steadiness
of principle, the same correctness of judgment and integrity of
heart, distinguished him through life ; and the same affectionate
attachment from those who knew him best has followed him
beyond the grave.
Quae Gratia vivo
— Eadem sequitur tellure repostum ! "
The remainder of this excellent preface will be found appended,
in the way of notes, to the letters to which they especially refer.
The letters of Mr. Thomas Pitt to his Uncle are now for the first
time printed.
1751. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 61
I will desire you to write over another copy
with this alteration, and also to write " smoaks " in
the plural number, in the last line but one.
You give me great pleasure, my dear child, in
the progress you have made. I will recommend to
Mr. Leech to carry you quite through Virgil's
^Eneid from beginning to ending. Pray show him
this letter, with my service to him, and thanks
for his care of you. For English poetry, I recom-
mend Pope's translation of Homer, and Dryden's
Fables in particular. I am not sure, if they are
not called Tales instead of Fables. Your cousin,
whom I am sure you can overtake if you will, has
read Virgil's iEneid quite through, and much of
Horace's Epistles. Terence's plays I would also
desire Mr. Leech to make you perfect master of.
Your cousin has read them all. Go on, my dear,
and you will at least equal him. You are so good
that I have nothing to wish but that you may
be directed to proper books ; and I trust to your
spirit, and desire to be praised for things that
deserve praise, for the figure you will hereafter
make.
God bless you, my dear child.
Your most affectionate uncle,
W. Pitt.
6*2 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1751.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Bath, October 12, 1751.
My dear Nephew,
As I have been moving about from place to
place, your letter reached me here, at Bath, but
very lately, after making a considerable circuit to
find me. I should have otherwise, my dear child,
returned you thanks for the very great pleasure
you have given me, long before now. The very
good account you give me of your studies, and
that delivered in very good Latin for your time,
has filled me with the highest expectation of your
future improvements. I see the foundation so well
laid, that I do not make the least doubt but you
will become a perfect good scholar ; and have the
pleasure and applause that will attend the several
advantages hereafter, in the future course of your
life, that you can only acquire now by your emu-
lation and noble labours in the pursuit of learning,
and of every acquirement that is to make you
superior to other gentlemen.
I rejoice to hear that you have begun Homer's
Iliad ; and have made so great a progress in
Virgil. I hope you taste and love those authors
particularly. You cannot read them too much :
they are not only the two greatest poets, but they
contain the finest lessons for your age to imbibe :
lessons of honour, courage, disinterestedness, love
of truth, command of temper, gentleness of be-
1752. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 63
haviour, humanity, and in one word, virtue in its
true signification. Go on, my dear nephew, and
drink as deep as you can of these divine springs :
the pleasure of the draught is equal at least to the
prodigious advantages of it to the heart and morals.
I hope you will drink them as somebody does in
Virgil, of another sort of cup :
" Ille impiger hausit spumantem pateram."
I shall be highly pleased to hear from you, and
to know what authors give you most pleasure. I
desire my service to Mr. Leech : pray tell him I
will write to him soon about your studies.
I am, with the greatest affection,
My dear child,
Your loving uncle,
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO HORATIO WALPOLE, ESQ.
[February — , 1752.]
Dear Sir,*
I return you the packet you were so good as to
send me, together with a thousand thanks for the
favour. Your speech(1) contains much very weighty
(!) The speech here referred to is one made by Mr. (after-
wards Lord) Walpole in the House of Commons, on the 22d
of January, on the subsidy to the elector of Saxony. " Mr.
Pitt," says Coxe, "although he had warmly defended the
Bavarian treaty, coincided with Mr. Walpole in disapproving
6k CORRESPONDENCE OF \15i.
matter, and, from beginning to end, breathes the
spirit of a man who loves his country. If your
endeavours contribute to the honest end you aim
at, namely, to check foreign expenses, and prevent
entanglements abroad, under a situation burdened
and exhausted at present, and liable to many
alarming apprehensions in futurity, you deserve
the thanks of this generation, and will have those
of the next.
I am, with great regard, dear Sir,
Your most obedient,
and most humble servant,
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Bath, Jan. 12, 1754.
My dear Nephew,
YouRletter from Cambridge affords me many very
sensible pleasures : first, that you are at last in a
proper place for study and improvement, instead of
losing any more of that most precious thing, time, in
London ; in the next place, that you seem pleased
with the particular society you are placed in, and
with the gentleman to whose care and instructions
the new subsidiary treaties, was much struck with this effusion,
and requested him to consign it to writing." — Memoirs of
Lord Wulpole, vol. ii. p. 340.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 65
you are committed ; and above all, I applaud the
sound, right sense, and love of virtue, which
appear through your whole letter. You are
already possessed of the true clue to guide you
through tins dangerous and perplexing part of
your life's journey, the years of education ; and
upon which, the complexion of all the rest of your
days will infallibly depend : I say, you have the
true clue to guide you, in the maxim you lay down
in your letter to me ; namely, that the use of
learning is, to render a man more wise and vir-
tuous, not merely to make him more learned.
Macte tud virtute. Go on, my dear boy, by this
golden rule, and you cannot fail to become every
thing your generous heart prompts you to wish to
be, and that mine most affectionately wishes for
you.
There is but one danger in your way ; and that
is, perhaps, natural enough to your age — the love of
pleasure, or the fear of close application and la-
borious diligence. With the last, there is nothing
you may not conquer ; and the first is sure to con-
quer and enslave whoever does not strenuously
and generously resist the first allurements of it,
lest by small indulgences, he fall under the yoke
of irresistible habit. " Vitanda est improba siren,
Desidia" I desire may be affixed to the curtains
of your bed, and to the walls of your chambers.
If you do not rise early, you never can make any
progress worth talking of; and another rule is, if
you do not set apart your hours of reading, and
VOL. I. F
66 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
never suffer yourself or any one else to break in
upon them, your days will slip through your hands
unprofitably and frivolously ; unpraised by all you
wish to please, and really unenjoyable to yourself.
Be assured, whatever you take from pleasure,
amusements, or indolence, for these first few years
of your life, will repay you a hundred fold, in the
pleasures, honours, and advantages of all the re-
mainder of your days.
My heart is so full of the most earnest desire
that you should do well, that I find my letter has
run into some length, which you will, I know, be so
good [as] to excuse. There remains now nothing
to trouble you with, but a little plan for the be-
ginning of your studies, which I desire, in a parti-
cular manner, may be exactly followed in every
tittle. You are to qualify yourself for the part in
society to which your birth and estate call you.
You are to be a gentleman of such learning and
qualifications as may distinguish you in the service
of your country hereafter; not a pedant, who
reads only to be called learned, instead of con-
sidering learning as an instrument only for action.
Give me leave, therefore, my dear nephew, who
have gone before you, to point out to you the
dangers in your road ; to guard you against such
things, as I experience my own defects to arise
from ; and at the same time, if I have had any
little successes in the world, to guide you to what
I have drawn many helps from.
I have not the pleasure of knowing the gentle-
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 67
man who is your tutor, but I dare say he is every
way equal to such a charge, which I think no small
one. You will communicate this letter to him,
and I hope he will be so good [as] to concur with
me, as to the course of study I desire you may
begin with, and that such books, and such only,
as I have pointed out, may be read. They are as
follow : Euclid ; a course of Logic ; a course of
experimental Philosophy ; Locke's Conduct of the
Understanding ; his treatise also on the Under-
standing ; his treatise on Government, and Letters
on Toleration. I desire, for the present, no books
of poetry, but Horace and Virgil : of Horace the
Odes, but above all, the Epistles and Ars Poetica.
These parts, " nocturnd versate manu, versate
diurnd." Tully de Officiis, de Amicitia, de Se-
nectute ; his Catilinarian Orations and Philippics.
Sallust. At leisure hours, an abridgment of the
History of England to be run through, in order to
settle in the mind a general chronological order
and series of principal events, and succession of
kings. Proper books of English history, on the
true principles of our happy constitution, shall be
pointed out afterwards. Burnet's History of the
Reformation, abridged by himself, to be read with
great care. Father Paul on beneficiary Matters,
in English. (l) A French master, and only
(!) A translation of father Paul Sarpi's " History of Ec-
clesiastical Benefices, with notes and observations by Amelot de
la Houssaie," appeared in 1727. Orme, in his Bibliotheca
Biblica, describes it as " a work which does great honour to the
talents and character of its amiable author."
F 2
68 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
Moliere's plays to be read with him, or by your-
self, till you have gone through them all. Spec-
tators, especially Mr. Addison's papers, to be read
very frequently at broken times in your room. I
make it my request, that you will forbear drawing
totally while you are at Cambridge, and not
meddle with Greek (*), otherwise than to know a
(*) "It will be obvious to every reader, on the slightest
perusal of Mr. Pitt's letters to his nephew, that they were never
intended to comprise a perfect system of education, even for
the short portion of time to which they relate. Many points in
which they will be found deficient were, undoubtedly, supplied
by frequent opportunities of personal intercourse, and much
was left to the general rules of study established at an English
university. Still less therefore should the temporary advice
addressed to an individual, whose previous education had
laboured under some disadvantage, be understood as a general
dissuasive from the cultivation of Grecian literature. The
sentiments of Lord Chatham were in direct opposition to any
such opinion. The manner in which, even in these letters, he
speaks of the first of poets, and the greatest of orators, and the
stress which he lays on the benefits to be derived from their
immortal works, could leave no doubt of his judgment on this
important point. That judgment was afterwards most un-
equivocally manifested, when he was called upon to consider the
question with a still higher interest, not only as a friend and
guardian, but also as a father.
" A diligent study of the poetry, the history, the eloquence,
and the philosophy of Greece, an intimate acquaintance with
those writings which have been the admiration of every age, and
the models of all succeeding excellence, would undoubtedly
have been considered by him as an essential part of any general
plan for the education of an English gentleman, born to share
in the councils of his country. Such a plan must also have
comprised a much higher progress, than is here traced out, in
mathematics, in the science of reason, in natural and in moral
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 69
little the etymology of words in Latin, or English,
or French ; nor to meddle with Italian.
philosophy* ; including in the latter the proofs and doctrines of
that revelation by which it has been perfected. Nor would the
work have been considered by him as finished, until on these
foundations there had been built an accurate knowledge of the
origin, nature, and safeguards of government and civil liberty ;
of the principles of public and municipal law ; and of the theory
of political, commercial, financial, and military administration,
as resulting from the investigations of philosophy, and as ex-
emplified in the lessons both of ancient and of modern history.
' I call that,' says Milton, ' a complete and generous education,
which fits a man to perform justly, skilfully, and magnanimously,
all the offices, both public and private, of peace and war.'
" This is the purpose to which all knowledge is subordinate ;
the test of all intellectual and all moral excellence. It is the
end to which the lessons of Lord Chatham are uniformly
directed. May they contribute to promote and encourage its
pursuit! Recommended, as they must be, to the heart of every
reader, by their warmth of sentiment and eloquence of language ;
deriving additional weight from the affectionate interest by
which they were dictated ; and most of all enforced by the in-
fluence of his own great example, and by the authority of his
venerable name." — Lord Grenville.
* " A passage has been quoted above (see p. 59.) from the lafe of
Pericles. The editor cannot refrain from once more referring his reader to
the same beautiful work, for the description of the benefits which that great
statesman derived from the study of natural philosophy. ' The lessons of
Anaxagoras,' says our author, 'gave elevation to his soul, and sublimity to
his eloquence ; they diffused over the whole tenor of his life a temperate and
majestic grandeur ; taught him to raise his thoughts from the works of
Nature to the contemplation of that Perfect and Pure Intelligence from
which they originate ; and (as Plutarch expresses it in words that mio-ht
best describe a Christian philosopher), instilled into his mind, instead of the
dark and fearful superstition of his times, that piety which is confirmed by
Reason and animated by Hope : avrl t?j <po£ep*i; xal •pXey/xatvainrtx; JeKriSai^o-
vj'af t»v ao-tyahn uir' i\-!rfiuv ayaAyn luc-kZuav tvEpya^ETO.' " — Lord Grenville.
70 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
I hope this little course will soon be run through.
I intend it as a general foundation for many things,
of infinite utility, to come as soon as this is finished.
Believe me, with the truest affection, my dear
Nephew,
Ever yours,
W. Pitt.
Keep this letter and read it again.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Bath, January 14, 1754.
My dear Nephew,
You will hardly have read over one very long
letter from me, before you are troubled with a
second. I intended to have writ soon, but I do it
the sooner on account of your letter to your aunt,
which she transmitted to me here. If any thing,
my dear boy, could have happened to raise you
higher in my esteem, and to endear you more to
me, it is the amiable abhorrence you feel for the
scene of vice and folly (and of real misery and
perdition, under the false notion of pleasure and
spirit), which has opened to you at your college,
and at the same time, the manly, brave, generous,
and wise resolution and true spirit, with which
you resisted and repulsed the first attempts upon a
mind and heart, I thank God, infinitely too firm
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 71
and noble, as well as too elegant and enlightened,
to be in any danger of yielding to such con-
temptible and wretched corruptions.
You charm me with the description of Mr.
Wheeler (*), and while you say you could adore
him, I could adore you for the natural genuine love
of virtue, which speaks in all you feel, say, or do.
As to your companions, let this be your rule : —
Cultivate the acquaintance with Mr. Wheeler which
you have so fortunately begun, and, in general, be
sure to associate with men much older than your-
self; scholars whenever you can, but always with
men of decent and honourable lives. As their age
and learning, superior both to your own, must ne-
cessarily, in good sense, and in the view of ac-
quiring knowledge from them, entitle them to all
deference, and submission of your own lights to
theirs, you will particularly practise that first and
greatest rule for pleasing in conversation, as well
as for drawing instruction and improvement from
the company of one's superiors in age and know-
ledge, namely, to be a patient, attentive, and well-
bred hearer, and to answer with modesty ; to
deliver your own opinions sparingly, and with
proper diffidence ; and if you are forced to desire
farther information or explanation upon a point, to
(!) " The Rev. John Wheeler, prebendary of Westminster.
The friendship formed between this gentleman and Lord
Camelford at so early a period of their lives was founded in
mutual esteem, and continued uninterrupted till Lord Camel-
ford's death." — Lord Grenville.
F 4
72 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
do it with proper apologies for the trouble you
give ; or if obliged to differ, to do it with all possible
candour, and an unprejudiced desire to find and
ascertain truth, with an entire indifference to the
side on which that truth is to be found.
There is likewise a particular attention required
to contradict with good manners ; such as, begging
pardon, begging leave to doubt, and such like
phrases. Pythagoras enjoined his scholars an ab-
solute silence for a long noviciate. I am far from
approving such a taciturnity ; but I highly recom-
mend the end and intent of Pythagoras's injunc-
tion, which is, to dedicate the first parts of life
more to hear and learn, in order to collect ma-
terials, out of which to form opinions founded on
proper lights and well-examined sound principles,
than to be presuming, prompt, and flippant in
hazarding one's own slight crude notions of tilings,
and thereby exposing the nakedness and emptiness
of the mind — like a house opened to company,
before it is fitted either with necessaries, or any
ornaments for their reception and entertainment.
And not only will this disgrace follow from such
temerity and presumption, but a more serious
danger is sure to ensue, that is, the embracing
errors for truths, prejudices for principles ; and
when that is once done (no matter how vainly
and weakly), the adhering perhaps to false and
dangerous notions, only because one has declared
for them, and submitting, for life, the understand-
ing and conscience to a yoke of base and servile
1754s THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 73
prejudices, vainly taken up and obstinately re-
tained. This will never be your danger ; but I
thought it not amiss to offer these reflections to
your thoughts.
As to your manner of behaving towards those
unhappy young gentlemen you describe, let it be
manly and easy : decline their parties with civility ;
retort their raillery with raillery, always tempered
with good breeding : if they banter your regularity,
order, decency, and love of study, banter in return
their neglect of them, and venture to own frankly,
that you came to Cambridge to learn what you
can, not to follow what they are pleased to call
pleasure. In short, let your external behaviour to
them be as full of politeness and ease, as your
inward estimation of them is full of pity, mixed
with contempt.
I come now to the part of the advice I have to
offer to you, which most nearly concerns your
welfare, and upon which every good and honour-
able purpose of your life will assuredly turn ; I mean
the keeping up in your heart the true sentiments
of religion. (*) If you are not right towards God,
(') " We recommend," say the Edinburgh Reviewers, " these
admirable passages to all those light and thoughtless persons,
who are pleased to regard every sentiment, of a moral or
religious tendency, as the growth of monkish seclusion and
ignorance of the world, or as the offspring of a sullen bigotry and
weakness of understanding ; only premising that they are the
earnest, undisguised effusions of an unrivalled statesman and
orator, poured forth at the very moment in which his whole
mind was distracted by the weight of affairs, and the intrigues
74 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754- .
you can never be so towards man : the noblest sen-
timent of the human breast is here brought to the
test. Is gratitude in the number of a man's
virtues ? if it be, the highest benefactor demands
the warmest returns of gratitude, love, and praise.
" Ingratum qui dixerit, omnia dixit." If a man
wants this virtue where there are infinite obliga-
tions to excite and quicken it, he will be likely to
want all others towards his fellow-creatures, whose
utmost gifts are poor compared to those he daily
receives at the hands of his never-failing Almighty
Friend. " Remember thy Creator in the days of
thy youth," is big with the deepest wisdom : " The
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ; and,
an upright heart, that is understanding." This is
externally true, whether the wits and rakes of
Cambridge allow it or not : nay, I must add of
of a factious court. But, in every line of these interesting
relics, we discover features of a mind as lovely, as we know that
it was powerful and accomplished. We discover unerring
proofs that Lord Chatham was as amiable in the private re-
lations of life, as the annals of the old and new world proclaim
him to have been transcendantly great in the management of
affairs. We are constantly delighted with traits of an union,
extremely rare in the human character, of the stronger passions
and grandest powers of the mind with its finer feelings and
nicer principles. We meet with perpetual evidence, that neither
the intrigues of courts, nor the contentions of popular as-
semblies, had ever effaced from this great man's heart those
early impressions of virtue and of piety, with which almost all are
provided at their outset, but which so few are enabled to pre-
serve even from the dangers and seductions of an obscurer
fortune." — Vol. iv. p. 378.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 75
this religions wisdom, " Her ways are ways of
pleasantness, and all her paths are peace," what-
ever your young gentlemen of pleasure think of a
whore and a bottle, a tainted health and battered
constitution.
Hold fast, therefore, by this sheet-anchor of
happiness, religion : you will often want it in the
times of most danger ; the storms and tempests of
life. Cherish true religion as preciously as you will
fly with abhorrence and contempt superstition and
enthusiasm. The first is the perfection and glory
of the human nature ; the two last the deprivation
and disgrace of it. Remember, the essence of
religion is, a heart void of offence towards God
and man ; not subtle speculative opinions, but an
active vital principle of faith. The words of a
heathen were so fine that I must give them to
you : —
" Compositum Jus, fasque animi ; sanctosque recessus
Mentis, et incoctum generoso pectus honesto." (l)
Go on, my dear child, in the admirable dispo-
sitions you have towards all that is right and good,
(l) Persius, Sat I., thus translated by Dryden : •
" A soul, where laws both human and divine,
In practice more than speculation shine ;
A genuine virtue, of a vigorous kind,
Pure in the last recesses of the mind."
And again, by Giflford: —
" A mind.
Where legal and where moral sense are join'd
76 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
and make yourself the love and admiration of the
world !
I have neither paper nor words to tell you how
tenderly
I am, my dear Nephew, yours,
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Bath, January 24, 1754.
I will not lose a moment before I return my most
tender and warm thanks to the most amiable,
valuable, and noble-minded of youths, for the
infinite pleasure his letter gives me.
My dear nephew, what a beautiful thing is
genuine goodness, and how lovely does the human
mind appear in its native purity (in a nature as
happy as yours), before the taints of a corrupted
world have touched it ! To guard you from the
With the pure essence ; holy thoughts, that dwell
In the soul's most retired and sacred cell ;
A bosom dyed in honour's noblest grain,
Deep-dyed."
" Persius," adds Mr. Gifford, " may be more easily admired than
translated. These two lines are not only the quintessence of
sanctity, but of language. Closeness would cramp, paraphrase
would enfeeble their sense ; which, like Juvenal's abstract idea
of a perfect poet, may be felt but cannot be expressed. None
of the versions of them which I have seen satisfy me; and,
least of all, ray own,"
1754s THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 77
fatal effects of all the dangers that surround and
beset youth (and many they are, nam varies illu-
dunt pestes), I thank God, is become my pleasing
and very important charge ; your own choice, and
our nearness in blood, and still more, a dearer and
nearer relation of hearts, which I feel between us,
all concur to make it so. I shall seek, then, every
occasion, my dear young friend, of being useful to
you, by offering you those lights, which one must
have lived some years in the world to see the full
force and extent of, and which the best mind and
clearest understanding will suggest imperfectly in
any case, and in the most difficult, delicate, and
essential points perhaps not at all, till experience,
that dear-bought instructor, comes to our as-
sistance.
What I shall, therefore, make my task (a happy,
delightful task, if I prove a safeguard to so much
opening virtue), is to be for some years, what you
cannot be to yourself, your experience ; experience
anticipated, and ready digested for your use.
Thus we will endeavour, my dear child, to join the
two best seasons of life, to establish your virtue
and your happiness upon solid foundations : Miscens
autumni et veris honores.
So much in general. I will now, my dear
nephew, say a few things to you upon a matter
where you have surprisingly little to learn, consi-
dering you have seen nothing but Boconnock ; I
mean behaviour. Behaviour is of infinite advantage
or prejudice to a man, as he happens to have formed
78 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
it to a graceful, noble, engaging, and proper man-
ner, or to a vulgar, coarse, ill-bred, or awkward and
ungenteel one. Behaviour, though an external
thing, which seems rather to belong to the body
than to the mind, is certainly founded in consider-
able virtues ; though I have known instances of
good men, with something very revolting and of-
fensive in their manner of behaviour, especially
when they have the misfortune to be naturally very
awkward and ungenteel, and which their mistaken
friends have helped to confirm them in, by telling
them they were above such trifles as being genteel,
dancing, fencing, riding, and doing all manly ex-
ercises, with grace and vigour : as if the body,
because inferior, were not a part of the composition
of man ; and the proper, easy, ready, and graceful
use of himself, both in mind and limb, did not go
to make up the character of an accomplished man.
You are in no danger of falling into this prepos-
terous error ; and I had a great pleasure in rinding
you, when I first saw you in London, so well dis-
posed by nature, and so properly attentive to make
yourself genteel in person, and well-bred in
behaviour.
I am very glad you have taken a fencing- master :
that exercise will give you some manly, firm, and
graceful attitudes, open your chest, place your
head upright, and plant you well upon your legs.
As to the use of the sword, it is well to know it ;
but remember, my dearest nephew, it is a science
of defence, and that a sword can never be employed
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 79
by the hand of a man of virtue in any other cause.
As to the carriage of your person, be particularly
careful, as you are tall and thin, not to get a habit
of stooping ; nothing has so poor a look. Above all
things, avoid contracting any peculiar gesticulations
of the body, or movements of the muscles of the
face. It is rare to see in any one a graceful
laughter ; it is generally better to smile than laugh
out, especially to contract a habit of laughing at
small or no jokes. Sometimes it would be affecta-
tion, or worse, mere moroseness, not to laugh
heartily, when the truly ridiculous circumstances
of an incident, or the true pleasantry and wit of a
thing call for and justify it ; but the trick of
laughing frivolously is by all means to be avoided
— risu ineptOy res ineptior nulla est.
Now as to politeness ; many have attempted
definitions of it. I believe it is best to be known by
description ; definition not being able to comprise
it. I would, however, venture to call it bene-
volence in trifles, or the preference of others to
ourselves in little daily, hourly, occurrences in the
commerce of life. A better place, a more com-
modious seat, priority in being helped at table, &c.
what is it, but sacrificing ourselves in such trifles
to the convenience and pleasure of others ? And
this constitutes true politeness. It is a perpetual
attention (by habit it grows easy and natural to
us) to the little wants of those we are with, by
which we either prevent or remove them. Bowing,
ceremonious, formal compliments, stiff civilities,
80 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754,.
will never be politeness ; that must be easy, natural,
unstudied, manly, noble. And what will give this,
but a mind benevolent, and perpetually attentive
to exert that amiable disposition in trifles towards
all you converse and live with. Benevolence in
greater matters takes a higher name, and is the
queen of virtues. Nothing is so incompatible with
politeness as any trick of absence of mind. (')
I would trouble you with a word or two more
upon some branches of behaviour, which have a
more serious moral obligation in them than those
of mere politeness, which are equally important in
the eye of the world. I mean a proper behaviour,
adapted to the respective relations we stand in,
towards the different ranks of superiors, equals, and
inferiors. Let your behaviour towards superiors,
in dignity, age, learning, or any distinguished ex-
cellence, be full of respect, deference, and modesty :
towards equals, nothing becomes a man so well as
well-bred ease, polite freedom, generous frankness,
manly spirit, always tempered with gentleness and
sweetness of manner, noble sincerity, candour, and
openness of heart, qualified and restrained within the
bounds of discretion and prudence, and ever limited
by a sacred regard to secrecy in all things intrusted
to it, and an inviolable attachment to your word.
(!) "We challenge the admirers of Lord Chesterfield to
produce a more winning, and at the same time a more judi-
cious and ingenious defence of all that part of manners which is
worthy of a reasonable being's regard, in the whole writings of
their master." — Edinburgh Rev. vol. iv. p. 384.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 81
To inferiors, gentleness, condescension, and affa-
bility, is the only dignity. Towards servants, never
accustom yourself to rough and passionate language.
When they are good, we should consider them as
liumiles amici, as fellow Christians, ut conservi ; and
when they are bad, pity, admonish, and part with
them if incorrigible. On all occasions beware, my
dear child, of anger, that demon, that destroyer of
our peace : —
" Ira furor brevis est, animum rege, qui nisi paret,
Imperat: hunc frenis, hunc tu compesce catena." (^
Write soon, and tell me of your studies.
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Bath, February 3, 1754.
Nothing can, or ought to give me a higher satis-
faction, than the obliging manner in which my dear
nephew receives my most sincere and affectionate
endeavours to be of use to him. You much over-
rate the obligation, whatever it be, which youth
has to those who have trod the paths of the world
before them, for their friendly advice how to avoid
the inconveniences, dangers, and evils, which they
themselves may have run upon for want of such
(') " Anger 's a shorter madness of the mind :
Subdue the tyrant, and in fetters bind."
Francis's Horace.
VOL. I. G
82 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
timely warnings, and to seize, cultivate, and cany
forward towards perfection, those advantages, graces,
virtues, and felicities, which they may have totally
missed, or stopped short in the generous pursuit.
To lend this helping hand to those who are
beginning to tread the slippery way seems, at best,
but an office of common humanity to all ; but to
withhold it from one we truly love, and whose
heart and mind bear every genuine mark of the
very soil proper for all the amiable, manly, and
generous virtues to take root, and bear their
heavenly fruit — inward, conscious peace, fame
amongst men, public love, temporal and eternal
happiness — to withhold it, I say, in such an
instance, would deserve the worst of names.
I am greatly pleased, my dear young friend, that
you do me the justice to believe I do not mean to
impose any yoke of authority upon your under-
standing and conviction. I wish to warn, admonish,
instruct, enlighten, and convince your reason, and
so determine your judgment to right things, when
you shall be made to see that they are right ; not
to overbear, and impel you to adopt any thing
before you perceive it to be right or wrong, by the
force of authority.
I hear with great pleasure that Locke lay before
you, when you writ last to me ; and I like the ob-
servation that you make from him, that we must-
use our own reason not that of another, if we would
deal fairly by ourselves, and hope to enjoy a
peaceful and contented conscience. This pre-
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 83
cept is truly worthy of the dignity of rational
natures.
But here, my dear child, let me offer one distinction
to you, and it is of much moment ; it is this — Mr.
Locke's precept is applicable only to such opinions
as regard moral or religious obligations, and which,
as such, our own consciences alone can judge and
determinefor ourselves: matters of mere expediency,
that affect neither honour, morality, or religion,
were not in that great and wise man's view ; such
are the usages, forms, manners, modes, proprieties,
decorum, and all those numberless ornamental little
acquirements, and genteel well-bred attentions,
which constitute a proper, graceful, amiable, and
noble behaviour. In matters of this kind, I am
sure your own reason, to which I shall always refer
you, will at once tell you, that you must, at first,
make use of the experience of others ; in effect, see
with their eyes, or not be able to see at all ; for the
ways of the world, as to its usages and exterior
manners, as well as to all things of expediency and
prudential considerations, a moment's reflection
will convince a mind as right as yours, must neces-
sarily be to inexperienced youth, with ever so fine
natural parts, a terra incognita. As you would not
therefore attempt to form notions of China or
Persia but from those who have travelled those
countries, and the fidelity and sagacity of whose re-
lations you can trust, so will you as little, I trust,
prematurely form notions of your own, concerning
that usage of the world (as it is called) into which
g 2
84< CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
you have not yet travelled, and which must be long
studied and practised, before it can be tolerably
well known.
I can repeat nothing to you of so infinite conse-
quence to your future welfare, as to conjure you not
to be hasty in taking up notions and opinions :
guard your honest and ingenuous mind against this
main danger of youth. With regard to all things
that appear not to your reason, after due examina-
tion, evident duties of honour, morality, or religion,
(and in all such as do, let your conscience and
reason determine your notions and conduct) — in all
other matters, I say, be slow to form opinions, keep
your mind in a candid state of suspense, and open
to full conviction when you shall procure it, using
in the mean time the experience of a friend you
can trust, the sincerity of whose advice you will try
and prove by your own experience hereafter, when
more years shall have given it to you.
I have been longer upon this head than I hope
there was any occasion for ; but the great import-
ance of the matter, and my warm wishes for your
welfare, figure, and happiness, have drawn it from
me. I wish to know if you have a good French
master. I must recommend the study of the French
language, to speak and write it correctly, as to
grammar and orthography, as a matter of the
utmost and indispensable use to you, if you would
make any figure in the great world. I need say
no more to enforce this recommendation ; when I
get to London, I will send you the best French
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 85
dictionary. Have you been taught geography and
the use of the globes by Mr. Leech ? If not, pray
take a geography master, and learn the use of the
globes ; it is soon known. I recommend to you
to acquire a clear and thorough notion of what is
called the solar system, together with the doctrine
of comets. I wanted as much or more to hear of
your private reading at home, as of public lectures ;
which I hope, however, you will frequent for ex-
ample sake.
Pardon this long letter, and keep it by you, if
you do not hate it. Believe me, my dear Nephew,
Your ever affectionate uncle,
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. (l)
[From a draught in Mr. Pitt's hand- writing.]
Bath, March—, 1754.
My Lord Duke,
I am extremely sorry that I continue still so weak
in my feet, though much mended in my general
(!) On the 6th of March, the ministry had been suddenly-
left without a head by the death of Mr. Pelham. Having re-
linquished the seals of secretary of state, to accept the man-
agement of the treasury, the Duke of Newcastle proceeded to
select his immediate colleagues. His choice for a chancellor of
the exchequer was directed to Mr. Legge, from a conviction,
G 3
86 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
health, as not to be able to attend your Grace ; an
honour I particularly ought to do myself at this time,
to receive your Grace's commands, with regard to
the ensuing election. If the very great honour
you intended me be still in your thoughts, and
that such a very useless though unalterable humble
servant to your Grace as I must be, is destined to
be chosen at Aldborough ('), I should beg the favour
that in him he should find a dependent, neither ambitious in
himself, nor likely, by influence or abilities, to aspire to a higher
share of power. Mr. Legge, however, being ill-calculated to
act as leader in the House of Commons, no other resource re-
mained than to consign the seals of secretary of state to a
member of that body, who, by his abilities or influence, might
manage the house under his Grace's directions. Three persons
were more particularly adapted for this post, by their oratorical
talents and personal qualifications, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fox, and Mr.
Murray, Solicitor General. The Duke of Newcastle was aware
that the royal dislike against Mr. Pitt had not wholly subsided.
Mr. Murray, besides the prejudices entertained against him as
a native of Scotland, had been exposed to obloquy, during the
feuds in the household of the Prince of Wales. Mr. Fox was
indicated by the public voice as the person best calculated to
fill so important a situation. An overture was accordingly
made to him, through Lord Hartington, offering the seals, with
the management of the House of Commons ; the arrangement
was considered complete; for, on the 12th of March, the
sanction of the king was obtained : but the next morning, when
Mr. Fox waited on the Duke of Newcastle, he found that he
was not to be acquainted with the disposal of the secret-service
money, to share the patronage, or even have a voice in the ar-
rangements of the approaching elections ; and as he was un-
willing to assume the character of leader in the House of
Commons without the powers necessary to be attached to it, he
took the resolution of declining the seals.
(J) At the ensuing general election in April, Mr. Pitt was
returned for the borough of Aldborough in Yorkshire.
1751% THE EARL OF CHATHAM, 87
of your orders, -whether it be necessary I should
appear there on the occasion, as I cannot imme-
diately undertake such a journey, or indeed any,
without extreme difficulty and some hazard to my
health. I shall esteem it an addition to this great
favour, if I may be allowed to remain a little longer
here till I can recover my feet, and where the
waters are of infinite service to me.
Sir George Lyttelton (') had flattered me with the
expectation that I might have the honour to re-
ceive some commands from your Grace here. I
hope your Grace's health continues unaltered, and
equal to all the load of various business that now
lies upon you. That all your Grace's labours for
the King's service may succeed is the very sincere
wish of
Your Grace's most obedient
and most humble servant,
W. Pitt.
(J) Sir George Lyttelton was the eldest son of Sir Thomas
Lyttelton of Hagley, by Christian, daughter of Sir Richard
Temple of Stowe. On the 6th of April he resigned his situation
of one of the lords of the treasury, and was made cofferer of the
household and a privy councillor; and in December 1755, he
was appointed chancellor of the exchequer ; an office which
he resigned in 1757- On the dissolution of the ministry in that
year, he retired from public life, and was elevated to the peer-
age, by the title of Lord Lyttelton. He died in August 1773,
leaving behind bim, " Observations on the Conversion of St.
Paul," a treatise to which, in the opinion of Dr. Johnson, " in-
fidelity has never been able to fabricate a specious answer,"
" Dialogues of the Dead," the " History of Henry the Se-
cond," and a volume of Poems.
G 4
88 CORRESPONDENCE OP 1754.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Bath, March 30, 1754.
My dear Nephew,
I am much obliged to you for your kind remem-
brance and wishes for my health. It is much re-
covered by the regular fit of gout, of which I am
still lame in both feet, and I may hope for better
health hereafter in consequence. I have thought
it long; since we conversed. I waited to be able to
give you a better account of my health, and in
part to leave you time to make advances in your
plan of study, of which I am very desirous to hear
an account. I desire you will be so good as to let
me know particularly if you have gone through
the abridgment of Burnet's History of the Refor-
mation and the treatise of Father Paul on Bene-
fices ; also how much of Locke you have read. I
beg of you not to mix any other English reading
with what I recommended to you. I propose to
save you much time and trouble, by pointing out
to you such books, in succession, as will carry you
the shortest way to the things you must know to
fit yourself for the business of the world, and give
you the clearer knowledge of them, by keeping
them unmixed with superfluous, vain, empty trash.
Let me hear, my dear child, of your French
also ; as well as of those studies which are more
properly university studies. I cannot tell you
1754«. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 8Q
better how truly and tenderly I love you, than by
telling you I am most solicitously bent on your
doing every thing that is right, and laying the
foundations of your future happiness and figure in
the world, in such a course of improvement, as will
not fail to make you a better man, while it makes
you a more knowing one. Do you rise early ? I
hope you have already made to yourself the habit
of doing it; if not, let me conjure you to acquire
it. Remember your friend Horace :
"Etni
Posces ante diem librum cum lumine ; si non
Latencies animum studiis, et rebus honestis,
Invidia vel amore vigil torquebere." (')
Adieu.
Your ever affectionate uncle,
W. Pitt.
THE EARL OF HARDWICKE TO MR. PITT.
Powis House, April 2, 1754.(2)
Sir,
After having read your letter to Sir George
Lyttelton, which he was pleased to show me, I
take shame to myself for having omitted so long
(') " Unless you light your early lamp, to find
A moral book ; unless you form your mind
To nobler studies, you shall forfeit rest,
And love or envy shall distract your breast."
Francis's Horace.
(2) The lord chancellor was this day created Earl of
90 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
to do myself the honour of writing to you. But I
must own (besides the pain of leaning down to
write during the violence of my cough), another
kind of shame has, in part, restrained me from it ;
for I blush even when I refer to that letter. I am
penetrated with the goodness which it breathes for
me ; but that goodness carried you to say some
things which, as I am sensible I neither do, nor
ever can deserve, I dare not take to myself.
Besides this, I have lived in such continual hurry,
ever since the day of our great misfortune, Mr.
Pelham's death, —
" Ille dies, quern semper acerbum,
Semper honoratum (sic Dii voluistis), habebo/' — (')
that I have had no time for correspondence.
The general confusion called upon somebody to
step forth ; and the Duke of Newcastle's over-
whelming affliction and necessary confinement,
threw it upon me. I was a kind of minister, ab
aratro, I mean the chancery-plough, and am not
displeased to be returned to it, laborious as it is
to hold. I never saw the King under such deep
concern since the Queen's death. His Majesty
Hardwicke and Viscount Royston, of Gloucestershire. He had
held the seals from 1736, and continued to do so till 1756, when
he resigned. He died in 1764.
(!) "And now the rising day renews the year;
A day for ever sad, for ever dear."
Dryde?is Virgil, Mn. 1. v.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 91
seemed to be unresolved ; professed to have no
favourite for the important employment vacant ;
and declared that he would be advised by his
cabinet council, with the Duke of Devonshire (')
added to them ; and yet I could plainly discern a
latent prepossession in favour of a certain person,
who, within a few hours after Mr. Pelham's death,
had made strong advances to the Duke of New-
castle and myself. (2) I gained no further ground
for four days, and remained in a state of the
utmost anxiety, as well for the King's dignity, as
for the event.
To poll in a cabinet council for his first minister,
which should only be decided in his closet, I could
by no means digest ; and yet I saw danger in at-
tempting to drive it to a personal determination.
My great objects were to support the system of
which Mr. Pelham had been, in a great measure,
at the head; by that means to preserve and ce-
(!) William, third Duke of Devonshire. His Grace filled the
office of lord lieutenant of Ireland from 1737 to 1744, and that
of lord steward of the household from that year till June 1749 ;
when " disgusted," says Coxe, "with the feuds in the cabinet,
and perplexed with the jealous disposition of Newcastle, and
the desponding spirit of Mr. Pelham, he resigned his office, and
withdrew to a dignified retirement at Chatsworth, prepared, on
all occasions of importance, to give his support to government.
He died in December, 1755.
('-') " Mr. Pelham died about six o'clock on Wednesday, the
6th. Mr. Fox was at. the Marquis of Hartington's before eight
that morning. Negotiations begun. The Duke of Devonshire
was sent for the same day." — Dodingtoris Diary, p. 238.
92 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
merit the Whig party, and to secure the election
of a new parliament upon the plan he had left,
though unfinished ; which I inculcated to be the
immediate fundamental object. This I stuck close
to, as I saw it carried the greatest force ; and I
took advantage of the King's earnestness for a
good House of Commons, to show him the ne-
cessity of fortifying his interest there, not only by
numbers, but by weight and abilities.
Under this head, it might have the appearance
of something which I would avoid being suspected
of, if I told you all I said of particular persons.
I was not wanting to do justice to true merit, nor
backward to show him how real strength might be
acquired. Some way I made, though not all I
wished ; and I drew out intimations that, upon
this occasion, openings would be made in very
considerable employments, in which some of those
I named should be regarded. I sincerely and
without affectation wish that it had been possible
for you to have heard all that I presumed to say
on this subject. I know you are so reasonable,
and have so much consideration for your friends
(amongst whom I am ambitious to be numbered),
that you would have been convinced some impres-
sion was made, and that, in the circumstances then
existing, it could not have been pushed farther
without the utmost hazard.
It would be superfluous and vain in me to say
to you, what you know so much better than I, that
there are certain things which ministers cannot do
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 93
directly j and that in political arrangements, pru-
dence often dictates to submit to the minus malum,
and to leave it to time and incidents, and perhaps
to ill-judging opponents, to help forward the rest.
Permit me to think that has remarkably happened,
even in the case before us. An ill-judged demand
of extraordinary powers, beyond what were at last
in the royal view, has, in my opinion, helped to
mend the first plan, and to leave a greater facility
to make use of opportunities still to improve it.
This situation, with the Duke of Newcastle (whose
friendship and attachment to you are undoubted
and avowed) placed at the head of the treasury,
and in the first rank of power, affords a much more
promising prospect, than the most sanguine dared
hope when the fatal blow was first given.
It gave me much concern to find by your letter
to the Duke of Newcastle, which his Grace did
me the honour to communicate to me in con-
fidence, that you are under apprehensions of some
neglect on this decisive occasion. At some part
of what you say I do not at all wonder. I sin-
cerely feel too much for you, not to have the
strongest sensibility of it; but I give you my honour,
there was no neglect. I exerted my utmost, in
concurrence with, and under the instructions of,
the Duke of Newcastle ; whose zeal in this point
is equal to your warmest wishes. That an impres-
sion was made to a certain degree, I think appears
in the instances of some of your best friends, Sir
George Lyttelton, and Mr. George Grenville j
94 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
upon whom you generously and justly lay great
weight. I agree that this falls short of the mark ;
but it gives encouragement. It is more than a
colour for acquiescence in the eyes of the world ; it
is a demonstration of fact. No ground arises from
hence to think of retirement, rather than for courts
and business. We have all of us our hours wherein
we wish for those otia tuta ; and I have mine fre-
quently : but I have that opinion of your wisdom,
of your concern for the public, of your regard
and affection for your friends, that I will not suffer
myself to doubt but you will continue to take an
active part. There never was a fairer field in the
House of Commons for such abilities, and I flatter
myself that the exertion of them will complete
what is now left imperfect.
I need only add to this my best wishes for the
entire re-establishment of your health. Those
wishes are as cordial as the assurances which, with
the utmost sincerity and respect, I now give you,
that I am always, Sir,
Your most obedient,
most faithful, and
most humble servant,
Hardwicke.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 95
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, April 2, 1754.
Dear Sir,
The great load of business, which at present I am
forced to go through as well as I can, must be my
excuse for not having sooner returned you my
thanks for the honour of your letter of the 24th of
March. (J) It adds much to my painful situation, to
see the uneasiness that you are under, which I own
I have long lamented for the sake of the public and
your friends ; but it comes more home to me, and
affects me in the most sensible manner, whenever
I perceive the least indication, that any part of it
could, in your opinion, have been removed or alle-
viated by any thing that has depended upon me.
Whenever I have the honour of one quarter of an
hour's conversation with you, I am certain I shall
convince you of the contrary, and that, in the late
arrangements, I have had all the regard and atten-
tion to your connexions, which it was possible for
me to show ; and that if I had attempted more, I
should have exposed my own weakness, mortified
those whom I meant to serve, prevented even
what I have been able to obtain, acted the part
which those who wish us ill had laid for me, given
them great cause of triumph over us, and perhaps
have flung every thing into their hands.
(!) It is to be regretted that no draught of Mr. Pitt's
letter here referred to has been preserved.
96 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
These facts cannot be explained by letter. May
I, therefore, beg your patience, and a suspension of
your judgment till I have the honour to see you. I
honour, esteem, and, if you will allow me to say so,
most sincerely love you ; and upon this principle
I think I have acted. I am sure my intention was
to do so. Feel the melancholy and distressed situ-
ation that I was in — forced by the commands of the
King and the entreaties of my friends, to part with
an employment which I loved, was in some degree
master of, and where I had gained some little re-
putation, to go to one where I was entirely unac-
quainted, exposed to envy and reproach, without
being sure of any thing but the comfort of an
honest heart, and a serious design to do my best for
the service of the King, my country, and my friends.
A plan was at first made, with a view to make
my going to the head of the treasury the more
palatable to those who might be supposed to be the
least pleased with it. That, for certain reasons, did
not take place ; upon which, the King himself, from
his own motion, declared Sir Thomas Robinson (^
secretary of state. Those, who are honoured with
(l) In 1745, Sir Thomas Robinson was appointed minis-
ter plenipotentiary at the court of Vienna; in 1748, joint
plenipotentiary with Lord Sandwich, at the congress at Aix-la-
Chapelle ; in 1749, one of the lords-commissioners of trade
and plantations; in 1750, master of the great wardrobe, and
oie of his Majesty's privy-council. In 1761, he was created
Lord Grantham, and in 1765 appointed one of the post-masters
general. He died in 1770.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 97
your friendship, thought that the most favourable
measure that could be obtained. An honourable
and able man, extremely well qualified in every
respect for the execution of that office, sincerely
attached to our system, and who, without departing
from that rank and figure which belonged to his
office, had not those parliamentary talents which
could give jealousy, or in that light set him above
the rest of the King's servants there ; so that their
situation did not receive the least alteration from
his promotion ; and since, from circumstances (which
you know I have long lamented) it was impossible
to put one into that office, who had all the necessary
qualifications both within and out of the House,
nothing sure could show so great a desire to soften
or alleviate that misfortune, as the giving into a
nomination of Sir Thomas Robinson, under the
description above mentioned.
The choice of Mr. Legge was made with a view
to please all our friends. We knew he was well
with the old corps, we knew he was happy in your
friendship, and in your good opinion and that of
your connection ; and you must allow me to say,
that I could never have thought one moment of
removing you, in the high light in which you so
justly stand, from the office you now possess ('), to
be chancellor of the exchequer, with another person
at the head of the treasury.
These dispositions being thus made, it was my
(l) Paymaster-general of the forces.
VOL. T. H
98 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
first view to show you that regard, in the person
of your friends, which it was impossible to do in
your own, to the degree which you might reason-
ably expect. The two first vacant offices — that of
treasurer of the navy and cofferer — were by my
recommendation given to your two first friends,
Mr. Grenville and Sir George Lyttelton ; two em-
ployments as agreeable to them both, as I believe
could be found out ; and the rest of the vacancies
plainly filled with a view to the House of Commons,
and the providing for the most efficient men
there.
I have now very truly stated to you the state of
the late promotions, and the reasons upon which
they were made. Had it been possible for me to
have surmounted those difficulties which you hint
at, I may venture to assure you, that your situation
would be very different from what it is, and no one
complaint should have remained, that I could have
removed. I am happy, in some measure, to have
had the same considerations with yourself, and to
have acted with success in consequence of it : viz.
that the best alleviation that could be to you, would
be the placing your friends in honourable and
agreeable employments ; and I happen to have
pitched upon those mentioned in your letter.
I sincerely thank you for the cordiality and
freedom with which you write. I have endeavoured
to do the same ; and as I stand more in need of
your friendship now than ever, I flatter myself I shall
have it. I will do every thing in my power to
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 99
deserve the continuance of it. When his Majesty
laid his commands upon me to take this new office,
lie did it with all the marks of goodness and con-
fidence imaginable ; and though some things were
not to be attempted, I think by the late dispositions
it appears that his Majesty will support his service
and his servants. I hope some prejudices which I
have long lamented will be got over, when the King
sees and feels the good effects of his having got
them over to a certain degree. Nothing shall be
wanting on my part that can contribute towards it.
My Lord Chancellor, with whom I do every thing,
and without whom I do nothing, has had a most
material hand in all these arrangements. He sees
and knows the truth of what I write, and he judges
as I do, that no other method but this could have
been followed with any prospect of success.
I rejoice to hear that your health is so well re-
established. I hope we shall soon have the honour
and pleasure to see you in town. I dare say we
shall then be able to represent things in a more
favourable light than they appear to you at present.
I don't wonder that you feel : I feel for you ; but
allow me to say (because I think it), that even with
regard to yourself, the dispositions are not so morti-
fying as they might have been, and with regard to
your friends, more favourable than perhaps was to be
expected. That I am sure I rejoice at. The other
I shall do my utmost to alleviate, by endeavouring
to procure an alteration of manner and behaviour.
I am afraid I have wrote too freely. My love and
h 2
100 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
affection for you are my only, excuses. When once
I begin to write to a friend like you, I write all I
think upon the subject. And am
Most unalterably yours,
Holles Newcastle.
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
[From a draught in Mr. Pitt's handwriting.]
Bath, April 5, 1754.
My Lord Duke,
I received the honour of your Grace's letter of
the 2d instant yesterday evening, and I take this
opportunity of the post, to return you my sincerest,
humblest thanks, for the great condescension and
very kind manner in which it is written. I should
make a very ill return to your Grace's goodness, if
I were to go far back into the disagreeable subject
that has occasioned you the trouble of writing a
long and very obliging letter. Amidst all your
business, I should be ashamed to teaze your Grace's
good nature with much repetition of an uneasy
subject, and necessarily so stuffed with impertinent
egotisms. Whatever my sensations are and must
be of my situation, it is sufficient that I have once
openly exposed them to your view, as I thought I
owed it to your Grace and to myself to do.
As to the chancellor of the exchequer, I hope
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 101
your Grace does not think me filled with so im-
pertinent a vanity, as to imagine it any disparage-
ment to myself to serve under your Grace, as the
head of the treasury. But, my lord, had I been
proposed for that honour, and the King reconciled
to the thought of me, my honour would have been
saved, and I should have declined it with pleasure
in favour of Mr. Legge, from considerations of
true regard for his Majesty's service. My health
at the best is too unsettled to expose his Majesty's
business in Parliament to depend upon so pre-
carious a thing, and to stop short perhaps in the
middle of a session. The case is not the same as
to the other office ; though very high and important,
from many circumstances, uninterrupted health is
not so essentially necessary ; and were I to fail in
it from want of health, or what is still more likely,
from want of abilities and proper knowledge of
foreign affairs, a fitter person might be substituted
at all times, without inconvenience to the King's
business.
I promised your Grace not to enter again
far into a disagreeable subject ; but though your
Grace has very obligingly suggested, as a consolation
to me, that I might have been more mortified
under another arrangement than I am under the
present, I will own very freely I should have
thought myself much less mortified as to my own
person, if Mr. Fox had been put at the head of the
House of Commons by the King's favour, than I
h 3
102 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
am at present. I should in that case have been
mortified for your Grace and for my Lord Chan-
cellor ; very little for myself. Had Mr. Murray's
situation been such, that he might have been
placed at the head of the House of Commons, I
should have served with pleasure under him, as I
acknowledge his superiority in every respect. My
mortification at present arises not from a silly pride,
but from being manifestly excluded in an arrange-
ment, by a negative personal to me — the effect of
displeasure not removable.
As for the rest, be assured my attachment to
government shall ever be found as unalterable, as my
inability to be of service to it is become manifest to
all the world. The suffrage of the party in one in-
stance, and a higher nomination in another, ope-
rating to the eternal exclusion of a man, can leave
him (under a resolution not to disturb government)
no wish but that of retreat : — not a retreat of re-
sentment, but of respect and of despair of being
ever accepted to equal terms with others, be his
poor endeavours what they may. Very few have
been the advantages and honours of my life ; but
among the first of them, I shall ever esteem the
honour of your Grace's favourable opinion. You
have tried me, and have not found me deceive
you : to this your Grace's favourable opinion and to
your protection I recommend myself, and hope
that some retreat neither dishonourable nor dis-
agreeable may (when it is practicable) be opened
to me.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 103
I am, with the most constant attachment, your
Grace's devoted, and
most faithful humble servant,
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THE EARL OF HARDWICKE.
[From a draught in Mr. Pitt's handwriting.]
Bath, April 6, 1754.
My Lord,
No man ever felt an honour more deeply, than
I do that of your Lordship's letter. Your great
goodness in taking the trouble to write, amidst
your perpetual and important business, and the
very condescending and infinitely obliging terms,
in which your Lordship is pleased to express your-
self, could not fail to make impressions of the most
sensible kind. I am not only unable to find words
to convey my gratitude ; but I am much more
distressed to find any means of deserving the
smallest part of your Lordship's very kind attention
and indulgence to a sensibility carried, perhaps,
beyond what the cause will justify, in the eye of
superior and true wisdom. I venerate so sincerely
that judgment, that I shall have the additional
unhappiness of standing self-condemned, if my
reasons already laid before your Lordship continue
to appear insufficient to determine me to inaction.
h 4>
104 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
I cannot without much shame so abuse your
Lordship's indulgence, as to go back, but for a
moment, into an unworthy subject that has already
caused you too much trouble, and which must
unavoidably be filled with abundance of indecent
egotism. But permit me to assure your Lordship,
in the first place, that, far from having a doubt re-
maining on my mind, that more might have been
done in my favour on this occasion, I think
myself greatly indebted to your Lordship's good-
ness, and will ever gratefully acknowledge the
kind efforts you were pleased to make, to remove
impressions that have entered so deep ; but I hope
your Lordship will not think me unreasonable, if
I conclude, from the inefficacy of these efforts in
such a want of subjects to carry on the King's
business in Parliament, and under his Majesty's
strong sense of that want, that these impressions
are immoveable.
Your Lordship is pleased kindly to say, that
some way is made, and that some future occasion
may be more favourable for me. I am not able to
conceive any such occasion possible. God forbid,
the wants of his Majesty's government should ever
become more urgent ! Such an unhappy distress
can only arise from an event so fatal to this country,
and which must deprive me of one of the two
great protectors whose friendship constitutes the
only honour of my public life, that I will not carry my
views or reasonings forward to that melancholy day.
I might likewise add (I conceive not unreasonably),
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 105
that every acquiescence to his Majesty's negative
(necessary as I am convinced it was to acquiesce)
must confirm and render more insurmountable
the resolution taken for my perpetual exclusion.
This, I confess, continues to be strongly my
view of my situation. It is very kind and
generous in your Lordship to suggest a ray of
distant, general hope to a man you see despairing
and to turn his view forward from the present
scene to a future. But, my lord, after having set
out under suggestions of this general hope ten
years ago, and bearing long a load of obloquy for
supporting the King's measures, and never obtain-
ing in recompense the smallest remission of that
displeasure I vainly laboured to soften, all ardour
for public business is really extinguished in my
mind, and I am totally deprived of all consideration
by which alone I could have been of any use.
The weight of irremoveable royal displeasure is a
load too great to move under : it must crush any
man ; it has sunk and broke me. I succumb ; and
wish for nothing but a decent and innocent retreat,
wherein I may no longer, by continuing in the
public stream of promotion, for ever stick fast
aground, and afford to the world the ridiculous
spectacle of being passed by every boat that navi-
gates the same river. To speak without a figure,
I will presume upon your Lordship's great good-
ness to me, to tell my utmost wish : — it is, that a
retreat, not void of advantage, or derogatory to the
rank of the office I hold, might, as soon as prac-
106 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
ticable, be opened to me. In this view, I take the
liberty to recommend myself to your Lordship's
friendship, as I have done to the Duke of New-
castle's. Out of his Grace's immediate province
accommodations of this kind arise, and to your
joint protection, and to that only, I wish to owe
the future satisfaction of my life.
I see with the greatest pleasure, the regard that
has been had to Sir George Lyttelton and Mr.
George Grenville. Every good done to them will
be, at all times, as done to me. I am at the same
time persuaded that nothing could be more ad-
vantageous to the system. Sir George Lyttelton has
great abilities for set debates, and solemn questions :
Mr. Grenville is universally able in the whole
business of the House (J), and, after Mr. Murray
and Mr. Fox, is certainly one of the very best
parliament men in the House.
(!) It is impossible to read this passage, written in April
1754, without being reminded of Mr. Burke's panegyric on
Mr. George Grenville, in his speech on American taxation,
in April, 1774 : — " Undoubtedly, Mr. Grenville was a first rate
figure in this country. With a masculine understanding, and a
stout and resolute heart, he had an application undissipated
and unwearied. He took public business, not as a duty which
he was to fulfil, but as a pleasure he was to enjoy ; and he
seemed to have no delight out of this House, except in such things
as some way related to the business that was to be done within
it. If he was ambitious, I will say this for him, his ambition
was of a noble and generous strain. It was to raise himself, not
by the low, pimping politics of a court, but to win his way to
power, through the laborious gradations of public service, and
to secure to himself a well-earned rank in parliament, by a
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 107
I am now to ask a thousand most humble pardons
of your Lordship for the length, and, I fear, still
more for the matter, of this letter. If I am not
quite unreasonable, your Lordship's equity and
candour will acquit me : if I am so unfortunate as
to appear otherwise, where it is my ambition not to
be thought wrong, I hope your Lordship's gene-
rosity and humanity will notwithstanding pardon
failings that flow from no ill principle, and that
never can shake my unalterable wishes for the quiet
and security of government. I rejoice in your
Lordship's recovery from your late indisposition,
and am, my Lord, &c.
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Bath, May 4, 1754.
Dear Nephew,
I use a pen with some difficulty, being still lame
in my hand with the gout. I cannot, however,
delay writing this line to you, on the course of
English history I propose for you. If you have
finished the abridgment of English History and of
Burnet's History of the Reformation, I recommend
thorough knowledge of its constitution, and a perfect practice
in all its business."
108 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754-.
to you next (before any other reading of history),
Oldcastle's Remarks on the History of England, by
Lord Bolingbroke. Q) Let me apprise you of one
thing before you read them, and that is, that the
author has bent some passages to make them
(!) "Of the course of study which these letters recommend,
little can be necessary to be said by their editor. He is how-
ever anxious that a publication, calculated to produce ex-
tensive benefit, should not in any single point mislead even the
most superficial reader ; nor would he, with all the deference
which he owes to the authority of Lord Chatham, willingly
appear to concur in the recommendation or censure of any
works, on which his own judgment is materially different from
that which he is now the instrument of delivering to the world.
" Some early impressions had prepossessed Lord Chatham's
mind with a much more favourable opinion of the political
writings of Lord Bolingbroke, than he might himself have re-
tained on a more impartial reconsideration. To a reader of the
present day, the "Remarks on the History of England" would
probably appear but ill entitled to the praises which are in these
letters so liberally bestowed upon them. For himself, at least,
the editor may be allowed to say, that their style is, in his
judgment, declamatory, diffusive, and involved ; deficient both
in elegance and in precision, and little calculated to satisfy a
taste formed, as Lord Chatham's was, on the purest models of
classic simplicity. Their matter he thinks more substantially
defective: the observations which they contain, display no
depth of thought, or extent of knowledge; their reasoning is,
for the most part, trite and superficial ; while on the accuracy
with which the facts themselves are represented no reliance can
safely be placed. The principles and character of their author
Lord Chatham himself condemns, with just reprobation. And
when, in addition to this general censure, he admits, that in
these writings the truth of history is occasionally warped, and
its application distorted for party purposes, what farther notice
can be wanted of the caution with which such a book must
always be regarded ? " — Lord Grenville.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 109
invidious parallels to the times he wrote in : there-
fore be aware of that, and depend, in general, on
finding the truest constitutional doctrines, and that
the facts of history, though warped, are no where
falsified. I also recommend Nathaniel Bacon's
Historical and Political Observations (') ; it is, with-
out exception, the best and most instructive book
we have on matters of that kind. They are both
to be read with much attention, and twice over :
Oldcastle's Remarks to be studied and almost got
by heart, for the inimitable beauty of the style, as
well as the matter ; Bacon for the matter chiefly ;
the style being uncouth, but the expression forcible
(!) " This book, though at present little known, formerly
enjoyed a very high reputation. It is written with a very
evident bias to the principles of the parliamentary party to
which Bacon adhered ; but contains a great deal of very useful
and valuable matter. It was published in two parts, the first in
1617, the second in 1651, and was secretly reprinted in 1672,
and again in 1682; for which edition the publisher was indicted
and outlawed. After the Revolution a fourth edition was
printed, with an advertisment, asserting, on the authority of
Lord Chief Justice Vaughan, one of Selden's executors, that the
groundwork of this book was laid by that great and learned
man. And it is probably on the gronnd of this assertion, that
in the folio edition of Bacon's book, printed in 1739, it is said
jn the title-page to have been "collected from some manuscript
notes of John Selden, Esq." But it does not appear that this
notion rests on any sufficient evidence. It is however manifest
from some expressions in the very unjust and disparaging
account given of this Work in Nicholson's Historical Library,
(part. i. p. 150.) that Nathaniel Bacon was generally considered
as an imitator and follower of Selden." — Lord Grenville.
110 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
and striking. I can write no more, and you will
hardly read what is writ.
Adieu, my dear child.
Your ever affectionate uncle,
W. Pitt.
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX(') TO MR. PITT.
London, August 20, 1754.
Dear Sir,
A justice of the peace in Dorsetshire has
taken the liberty to write to the Duke (2) his
thoughts concerning the injuries and inconveniences
which the out-pensioners, he says, are subjected to
by their usurers. I find by the accountant that his
scheme is impracticable, so I do not trouble you
with it ; but his Royal Highness bids me say, that
he shall be much obliged to you, if you will resume
the thoughts, which he knows from me you have
(') Henry Fox, second son of Sir Stephen Fox, and brother
of Stephen, first Earl of Ilchester, was born in 1705. In 1737?
he was appointed surveyor-general of the board of works, and
in 1743, a commissioner of the treasury. In 1746, he was
appointed secretary at war, and sworn of the privy council.
In November 1755, he became secretary of state, which office
he resigned to Mr. Pitt, in December, 1756, and was appointed
paymaster of the forces, 1757. He was created Baron Hol-
land of Foxley, in 1763, and died in July 1774, in his sixty-
ninth year.
('-) The Duke of Cumberland.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. Ill
had, of contriving some method that may relieve
them. I am, with the greatest respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient
and most humble servant,
H. Fox.
MR. PITT TO THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX.
August 20, 1754.
Dear Sir,
I am honoured with the favour of your letter,
concerning the oppression the out-pensioners of
Chelsea are under from the usurers. I have had
it much at heart to redeem these helpless, un-
thinking creatures from their harpies, but have
never yet seen, nor been able to devise, any prac-
ticable and effectual scheme for their relief. Great,
however, as the difficulties are, I shall, in obedience
to his Royal Highness the Duke's commands, dili-
gently apply myself anew to all possible means of
surmounting them, and should esteem myself very
happy, if I could have the honour of being the in-
strument of his Royal Highness's compassionate
attention to these very deserving objects.
I am, with the greatest respect,
Sir, &c.
W. Pitt. (!)
(') On the very day after the opening of the session in
November, Mr. Pitt brought in a bill for the relief of the
112 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Astrop Wells, September 5, 1 754.
My dear Nephew,
I have been a long time without conversing
with you, and thanking you for the pleasure of
your last letter. You may possibly be about to
return to the seat of learning on the banks of the
Cam ; but I will not defer discoursing to you on
literary matters till you leave Cornwall, not doubt-
ing but you are mindful of the Muses amidst the
very savage rocks and moors, and yet more savage
natives, of the ancient and respectable dutchy.
First, with regard to the opinion you desire con-
cerning a common-place book ; in general, I much
disapprove the use of it : it is chiefly intended for
persons who mean to be authors, and tends to im-
pair the memory, and to deprive you of a ready,
extempore use of your reading, by accustoming
Chelsea Pensioners. According to the old system, no pensioner
could receive any money until he had been on the list for twelve
months. This delay of the first payment compelled the veteran
to borrow money upon the certificate of his admission upon the
list. He was supplied with a small sum by a set of usurers,
who demanded exorbitant interest, and the practice continuing
for a few years, the whole of the pension was swallowed up in
usurv. To remedy this evil, Mr. Pitt provided by his bill, that
half a year's pension should always be paid in advance, and that
the annuity itself should be incapable of being mortgaged. This
humane bill passed both Houses without opposition.
1754% THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 113
the mind to discharge itself of its reading on paper,
instead of relying on its natural power of retention,
aided and fortified by frequent revisions of its ideas
and materials. Some things must be common-
placed, in order to be of any use — dates, chrono-
logical order, and the like ; for instance, Nathaniel
Bacon ought to be extracted in the best method
you can. But, in general, my advice to you is, not
to common-place upon paper, but, as an equi-
valent to it, to endeavour to range and methodize
in your head what you read, and by so doing
frequently and habitually to fix matter in the
memory.
I desired you some time since to read Lord
Clarendon's History of the civil wars. (') I have
(') "At the same time, with the study of Lord Bolingbroke's
' Remarks on the History of England,' Lord Chatham appears
to have recommended to his nephew the study of a very
different work, the History of Lord Clarendon ; but he speaks
with some distrust of the integrity of that valuable writer.
When a statesman traces, for the instruction of posterity, the
living images of the men and manners of his time, the passions
by which he has himself been agitated, and the revolutions in
which his own life and fortunes were involved, the picture will
doubtless retain a strong impression of the mind, the character,
and the opinions of its author : but there will always be a
wide interval between the bias of sincere conviction, and the
dishonesty of intentional misrepresentations.
" Clarendon was unquestionably a lover of truth, and a sincere
friend to the free constitution of his country. He defended
that constitution in parliament, with zeal and energy, against*
* " See particularly the accounts in Rushworth and Whitelock, of Cla-
rendon's parliamentary conduct in 1640 and 1641 ; and of that of Falkland
and Colpepper, with whom he acted." — Lord Grenville.
VOL. I. I
1.14 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
lately read a much honester and more instructive
book, of the same period of history ; it is the
the encroachments of prerogative, and concurred in the esta-
blishment of new securities necessary for its protection. He
did, indeed, when these had been obtained, oppose with equal
determination those continually increasing demands of Par-
liament, which appeared to him to threaten the existence of
the monarchy itself; desirous, if possible, to conciliate the
maintenance of public liberty with the preservation of domestic
peace, and to turn aside from his country all the evils to which
those demands immediately and manifestly tended.*
" The wish was honourable and virtuous, but it was already
become impracticable. The purposes of irreconcileable am-
bition, entertained by both the contending parties, were utterly
inconsistent Avith the re-establishment of mutual confidence.
The parliamentary leaders openly grasped at the exclusive pos-
session of all civil and all military authority ; and, on the
other hand, the perfidy with which the King had violated his
past engagements still rankled in the hearts of his people, whose
just suspicions of his sincerity were continually renewed by the
unsteadiness of his conduct, even in the very moments of fresh
concession ; while, amongst a large portion of the community,
every circumstance of civil injury or oppression was inflamed
and aggravated by the utmost violence of religious animosity.
" In this unhappy state the calamities of civil Avar could no
longer be averted ; but the miseries by which the contest was
attended, and the military tyranny to which it so naturally led,
justified all the fears of those Avho had from the beginning most
dreaded that terrible extremity.
" At the restoration the same virtuous statesman protected the
constitution against the blind or interested zeal of excessive
loyalty ; and, if Monk had the glory of restoring the monarchy
* " A general recapitulation of these demands may be found in the
message sent by the two Houses to the King, on the 2d of June, 1642 ; a
paper which is recited by Ludlow as explanatory of the real intentions of
the Parliament at that period, and as being ' in effect the principal found-
ation of the ensuing war.' " 1 Ludlow, 30, ed. 1C98. — Lord Grenville.
1754. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 115
History of the Parliament, by Thomas May,
Esq. &c. (:) I will send it to you as soon as you
return to Cambridge. If you have not read
Burnet's History of his own Times, I beg you
will. I hope your father is well. My love to the
girls.
Your ever affectionate,
W. Pitt.
of England, to Clarendon is ascribed the merit of re-establishing
her laws and liberties. A service no less advantageous to the
crown than honourable to himself; but which was numbered
among the chief of those offences for which he was afterwards
abandoned, sacrificed, and persecuted by his unfeeling, corrupt,
and profligate master.
" These observations respecting one of the most upright
characters of our history, are here delivered with freedom,
though in some degree opposed to so high an authority. The
habit of forming such opinions for ourselves, instead of receiving
them from others, is not the least among the advantages of such
a course of reading and reflection, as Lord Chatham re-
commends." — Lord, Grenville.
(l) "May, the translator of Lucan, had been much coun-
tenanced by Charles I. but quitted the court on some per-
sonal disgust, and afterwards became secretary to the par-
liament. His history was published in 164-7 under their au-
thority and license, and cannot by any means be considered as
an impartial work. It is, however, well worthy of being at-
tentively read ; and the contemptuous character given of it by
Clarendon (Life, vol. i. p. 35.) is as much below its real merit,
as Clarendon's own history is superior to it." — Lord Gren-
ville.
i 2
116 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1754.
HORATIO WALPOLE, ESQ. (') TO MR. PITT.
Wolterton, October, 19, 1754.
Dear Sir,
Upon the death of our great and good friend,
Mr. Pelham, you were often in my thoughts,
whilst the settlement of affairs were in agitation ;
but as I saw no day-light for what I heartily
wished, and could be of no consequence to pro-
mote it, I could neither write any thing to you
that could please me, nor be agreeable to you.
However, besides my private friendship for you,
which is unalterable, for the sake of the public, al-
though at my age and in my situation I can be
no service to it myself, I have often inquired after
your health. Our friend my Lord Royston, who
has done me the honour of a visit here, and who
had seen you at Wrest, acquainted me it was
tolerably good ; and I hope I shall have the
pleasure of finding it so in London, where I pur-
pose to be a few days before the Parliament
meets ; and I suppose curiosity at the first open-
ing of a new one, and contested elections, will
make a full house.
In the meantime, I am, with the most affec-
tionate regard, dear Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant,
H. Walpole.
(') Afterwards Lord Walpole.
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 117
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Cambridge, March 29, 1755.
Dear Uncle,
I am almost ashamed to see the date of your
letter, and should be uneasy that I had not an-
swered it sooner, did I not imagine business would
be the most acceptable apology I could make to
you. I am sorry I cannot have the pleasure of
giving up a very agreeable jaunt (in not going to
Newmarket), to the advice and request of a friend
I so deservedly love ; not that I intend to go there
neither, but, to say the truth, I am not able to
make a merit of foregoing what I had resolved
against before I knew your pleasure ; for really,
though I am at present pretty quiet and easy in
my mind, I am by no means disposed for that kind
of diversion.
A letter from those good girls, my sisters (*), is
just come to my hands, and I doubt not you will
partake of my joy and satisfaction to hear they are
all in good health ; the letter is dated from Rouen,
but they are going to Paris. They give a charm-
ing account of Normandy, and seem at present
in the best of spirits that could be hoped for ;
indeed, the people are civil, and every body is
good-humoured. Pray communicate this good
news to all that will be glad to hear it. Let me
(T) Amelia, married to William Spry, LL. D., and Christiana,
to ThomaS Saunders, Esq., governor of Fort St. George-
i 3
118 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
trouble you likewise to make my compliments to
Lady Hester, and tell her I thank her a thousand
times for the kindness she is so good as to honour
me with. Adieu, my good uncle.
Most affectionately yours,
Thomas Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Pay Office, April 9, 1755.
My dear Nephew,
I rejoice extremely to hear that your father
and the girls are not unentertained in their travels.
In the meantime, your travels through the paths
of literature, arts, and sciences — a road, some-
times set with flowers, and sometimes difficult,
laborious, and arduous — are not only infinitely
more profitable in future, but at present, upon the
whole, infinitely more delightful. My own travels
at present are none of the pleasantest. I am going
through a fit of the gout, with much proper pain,
and what proper patience I may. Avis au lecteur,
my sweet boy : remember thy Creator in the days
of thy youth : let no excesses lay the foundations
of gout and the rest of Pandora's box ; nor any
immoralities or vicious courses sow the seeds of a
too late and painful repentance.
Here ends my sermon ; which, I trust, you are
not fine gentleman enough, or in plain English,
silly fellow enough, to laugh at. Lady Hester is
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 119
much yours. Let me hear some account of your
intercourse with the Muses, and believe me, ever
Your truly affectionate,
W. Pitt.
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Cambridge, April 12, 1755.
Dearest Uncle,
I had the pleasure of receiving yours last night,
and am glad the pain you feel at present will conduce
to your future ease and health ; though methinks
the gout is the most disagreeable remedy for the
gout that can possibly be applied.
My literary journey has proved hitherto pretty
successful. I mean pleasant ; for though some of
the roads are rough and rocky, and others stiff
and heavy, yet I find frequently the welcome
variety of smooth verdure and easy turf. I
have gone through Wilson (*) with a good deal
of attention, and have got a good way in the
Bishop of Meaux (2) the second time ; but find
chronology, even in him, is a soil rather of a clayey
nature, and 1 have been forced to apply to pen
and ink for my assistance. Lord Clarendon has
(') Arthur Wilson's History of the Life and Reign of James
the First.
(-) Bossuet, " Discours sur l'Histoire Universelle."
I I
ISO CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
carried me down again to the regions of Bradock
Down ; a place, it seems, of consequence enough
to be recorded among the memorabilia of history ;
and I own I cannot but feel some extraordinary
emotions, when I consider of what importance a
Buller, Carew, Trevanion, or even Lord Mohun
himself, was accounted in those times. Why may
not others hope to bear at least as considerable a
share of interest in their country ?
I have an additional work upon my hands at
present, which will, I suppose, take up no small
part of my time for a while ; namely, a decla-
mation, which is at last come to my turn. My
subject is — an omne solum forti patria est — which
I have, after some deliberation, determined to deny;
as I imagine I shall speak more from my heart in
defending the true patriot and sincere lover of his
country, than in examining the nice distinctions that
may dissolve the duty towards that common parent.
But here, methinks, I want the assistance of one
who, by his practice as well as precepts, can suffi-
ciently inspire any cause. I will name no names,
but only wish that I may, in this juvenile exercise,
prove myself worthy of being thought
Your affectionate nephew,
Thomas Pitt.
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 121
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Pay Office, April 15, 1755.
A thousand thanks to my dear boy for a very
pretty letter. I like extremely the account you give
of your literary life. The reflections you make upon
some West Saxon actors in the times you are
reading, are natural, manly, and sensible, and flow
from a heart that will make you far superior to any
of them.
I am content you should be interrupted (pro-
vided the interruption be not long) in the course
of your reading, by declaiming in defence of the
thesis you have so wisely chosen to maintain. It
is true, indeed, that the affirmative maxim, Omne
solum for ti patria est, has supported some great
and good men under the persecutions of faction
and party injustice, and taught them to prefer an
hospitable retreat in a foreign land to an unnatural
mother-country. Some few such may be found in
ancient times ; in our own country also some ; such
was Algernon Sidney, Ludlow(1), and others. But
(!) "Stopped at Vevay ; walked to the church; view from
the churchyard superb ; within it General Ludlow's (the re-
gicide) monument — black marble — long inscription — Latin
but simple ; he was an exile two and thirty years — one of
King Charles's judges : his house shown ; it retains still its
inscription — ' Omne solum forti patria.' " — Lord Byron, Sep-
tember 18, 1816.
122 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
how dangerous is it to trust frail, corrupt man with
such an aphorism ! What fatal casuistry is it big
with ! How many a villain might, and has masked
himself in the sayings of ancient illustrious exiles,
while he was, in fact, dissolving all the nearest and
dearest ties that hold societies together, and spurn-
ing at all laws, divine and human ! How easy the
transition from this political to some impious eccle-
siastical aphorisms ! If all soils are alike to the
brave and virtuous, so may all churches and modes
of worship ; — that is, all will be equally neglected
and violated. Instead of every soil being his
country, he will have no one for his country ; he
will be the forlorn outcast of mankind. Such was
the late Bolingbroke of impious memory. Let me
know when your declamation is over. Pardon an
observation on style. " I received yours" is vulgar
and mercantile; "your letter" is the way of
writing. Inclose your letters in a cover ; it is more
polite.
Your most affectionate,
W. Pitt.
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Cambridge, April 20, 1755.
Dear Uncle,
The encouragement you give me cannot fail of
raising in my mind the most ardent resolution
of persevering stedfastly and diligently in every
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 123
step that may tend to the glorious and emulating
prospect you place before me. May your words
be prophetic ; and may I, in due time, be enabled
to play on the theatre of life a character superior
to any of those whom I look back upon at present
with a feeling of admiration ! For though fame is
the sweet reward of noble actions, yet it is a reward
that every one has it not in his power to arrive at,
and most men must be satisfied with but a moderate
share of glory ; and yet, I imagine, he that sets out
with full vigour and resolution to reach the goal,
though infinitely inferior in strength and abilities,
will be much more likely to attain the envied prize,
than the most happily equipped, whose sluggish
ambition scarce carries on his view beyond the dis-
tance post.
For my own part, I must confess, my ambition
instigates me to wish and hope to be a great man ;
and by that I mean, to be a conspicuously good
man ; to have my abilities increased in proportion
to my good will to mankind ; and if I desire renown
and praise, it is only such as the happiness of others,
by my means, may effectually reflect upon me.
Glory, attended with self-applause, is a real happi-
ness ; but if not seconded within by a consciousness
of desert, it would give me no more joy, than if
by a mistake in a crowd I should be honoured
with the title of " your Grace."
I have made use of the liberty you were so kind
as to give me, of drawing upon your banker, Mr.
Campbell, for twenty pounds, which I would thank
124< CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
you for with the utmost gratitude, if 1 thought
you would allow me to enlarge upon the subject.
I will trouble you with my best respects to Lady
Hester, and be so good as to give my love to your
sister, and tell her the parcel is arrived safe at
Clare Hall. I am
Your most affectionate nephew,
Thomas Pitt.
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX TO MR. PITT.
[The next seven letters, and the Remarks which follow them, are headed,
in the originals, " Negotiation with Mr. Fox."]
[April 25, 1755.]
Dear Sir,
Lord Waldegrave told the Duke of Newcastle
he was come by his Majesty's command, and had
a well-grounded opinion that Mr. Fox would not
desire any thing that his Grace might not readily
grant him, and would take the lead of the House
of Commons. He had no sooner dropped this
expression than the Duke stopped him, and said,
" there must be some mistake ; the King could not
mean to give Mr. Fox the lead of the House of
Commons. He could not mean it to him nor to
anybody ; " — (so you see the plan is thoroughly
avowed) — "but he would ask the King." His
Majesty confirmed it ; but it was necessary, as it
always must be, tor Lord Waldegrave to supply
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 1°25
some defects in his Grace's manner of reporting,
and Lord Waldegrave was with his Majesty half
an hour yesterday morning. His Majesty, in the
most determined manner, gave a negative to the
lead of the House of Commons. He will have no
leader there. What he expects and requires is, that
his servants should act in concert and with spirit in
their respective departments, and not quarrel among
themselves.
Here I stop to inform you what I now believe
his Majesty did mean. He talked to me with an
intention, if you was dismissed, to give me your
employment. What rascals they must be them-
selves to think, as I believe they did, that I should
not only accept, but be glad of it. His Majesty
added to Lord Waldegrave, that there had been some
mistake ; Fox had mistaken him, and may be, he
had mistaken Fox; wherefore he desired Fox would
put his meaning in writing. Lord Waldegrave
brought me this message, at the same time saying,
that it was not meant, nor would signify any thing,
that I should give my thoughts on the lead ; for
that was, he saw, absolutely determined. He added,
what I always thought, that they considered them-
selves on such ground, and so sure of a majority,
that the terror which his Lordship owned, in their
situation, would influence him, of our junction, &c,
had no effect, nor would have till it was too late.
In this discourse with him and the Duke of
Newcastle arose two plans for the letter I am to
deliver to the King. The first and most obvious
126 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
one, immediately arose from me. To submit to
his Majesty's pleasure as to the lead, giving, at the
same time, my opinion of its consequences in short
and general terms, and to assure his Majesty that
I had thought, and could find no possibility of
obeying his commands, or doing more than I had
before mentioned, in my present situation. The
other arose from their Lordships, and arose from
one true motive, that there was nothing that was
not as bad or worse ; and reasoned thus : If you
get this nothing, you must tell the King and the
Duke of Newcastle it is, and indeed it is, nothing ;
but you must talk in the House as if it was the
lead ; and if no good comes (and I believe no good
will come) of that, you may at all times take to
sitting still, or quitting.
I send the enclosed for your consideration, con-
taining both plans. If you can think of a third, I
shall be obliged to you. Let me have, dear Sir, a
conversation with you on this matter this evening,
not at your own house, for a reason I will tell you
when we meet, but at Calcraft's (]), at mine, or at
Mr. Hamilton's. (2) I think my own best, and beg
(') Mr. Calcraftwas at this time Mr. Fox's private secretary.
(-) William Gerard Hamilton, at this time member for
Petersfield. In the November of this year he delivered that
single speech, upon which his reputation has exclusively rested.
" Young Mr. Hamilton," says Horace Walpole, who was
present, " opened for the first time in behalf of the treaties, and
was at once perfection : his speech was set, and full of an-
titheses, but those antitheses were full of argument; and he
broke through the regularity of his own composition, answered
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 127
you will send me word the hour. Your name has
not been mentioned, otherwise than casually, be-
tween Lord Waldegrave and the Duke of New-
castle, and not materially in all these conversations.
Yours ever,
H. Fox.
You may show this letter and the enclosed to
those you most confide in if you please.
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX TO MR. PITT.
[April 25, 1755.]
Dear Sir,
I do not like the paper you have just now re-
turned ; and it is no wonder, as it was wrote when
I had scarce a thought myself of doing what had
been suggested, and is contained in the latter part
of it.
Since your conversation last night, I have
imagined that, if that is to be proposed, the less
that is said of any other matter the better. It has
other people, and fell into his own track again with the greatest
ease. His figure is advantageous, his voice strong and clear,
his manner spirited, and the whole with the ease of an es-
tablished speaker. You will ask, what could be beyond this ?
Nothing, but what was beyond what ever was — and that was
Pitt!" In December following Mr. Hamilton was rewarded
with a seat at the Board of Trade : in 1761, he was appointed
secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland ; and for many
years held the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer of that
kingdom. He died in 1796.
128 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
been said, I had better not name the cabinet
council. I have accordingly drawn the enclosed
very short paper, which you will please to keep,
and only let me know, whether you think the
words after " speaking of" were better left out
or inserted. I have curtailed, with design, the
particulars of what I am to undertake. I am,
Dear Sir, ever yours,
H. Fox.
Friday.
Pray send a word of answer to the War Office.
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX TO THE KING.
[Enclosed in the above.]
[April 25, 1755.]
Sir,
Infinitely thankful for your Majesty's command
received by Lord Waldegrave, to explain myself
in writing, I must begin with asking pardon for
having mistaken your Majesty. But I now under-
stand your Majesty does not intend to have any
leader in the House of Commons, and I receive
your pleasure on this head, with that duty and
submission that becomes me.
What your Majesty requires I understand is,
that on all occasions, as well not relative as relative
to the army, I should act with spirit for your
Majesty's service in the House of Commons ; and
175 THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 129
your Majesty bids me put in writing what will
enable me to obey these your commands.
Thinking no more, then, of taking the lead,
but of your Majesty's commands only, I answer,
that I desire neither money nor power, but some
such mark only of your Majesty's favour, as may
enable me to speak like one perfectly informed,
and honoured with your Majesty's confidence in
regard to the matters I may be speaking of [1 know
not how this can be done, but by your Majesty's
command that I should be summoned to your
cabinet council.] (*)
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX TO MR. PITT.
[April 25, 1755.]
Dear Sir,
The paper has already undergone some altera-
tions. I had not attended to your having struck
out "no more power " which I think was judiciously
done; and the Duke insists on my putting in, "in the
present state of the House of Commons" that I may
not be supposed absolutely engaged, and have no
words to show, that guarded against a certain event,
which he agrees with me, though you don't, must
and should put an end to this scheme, not too pro-
mising as it is. He advises leaving out the words
at the end ; for his Majesty will probably, he says,
(') The words in brackets are those alluded to in the pre-
ceding letter.
VOL. I. K
130 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
have heard the words cabinet councillor, before
he sees the paper, and cannot possibly mistake.
I am, dear Sir,
Your ever obliged,
H. Fox.
MR. PITT TO THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX.
[April 25, 1755.]
Dear Sir,
I dare not urge any reasons of mine against an
opinion of so great authority in every respect ; but
if I might still be allowed to offer an advice, I
cannot but think the words inserted may be liable
to unfavourable constructions to both you and me;
to you, as carrying the air of a sort of capitulation
(if taken in one sense) ; to me, as implying perhaps
through you, a solicitude about that certain event to
which those words obscurely allude. Add to this,
that the combination so strongly charged, and as
strongly and with truth denied, would seem to
receive a colour from this intimation.
All this is submitted with perfect deference to
that great opinion, as well as to your own.
I am, dear Sir,
Most faithfully yours,
W. Pitt.
Friday, 8 o'clock.
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 131
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX TO MR. PITT.
[April 25, 1755.]
Dear Sir,
I am very sure the words can carry no sense
that can be ever perverted to hurt you, in the point
3n which I honour you for being so delicate. As for
ne, I would not have them thought, in the first in-
stance, a capitulation. But if I am to recur to them, I
would avow them as such, and for that reason insert
them ; a capitulation between me and them, to
which you are no party. If they are alleged as
proof of a combination, which I denied, I shall
answer any body but his Majesty in another way.
To his Majesty I shall say with truth, though not
with anger, that they are my thoughts, and terms,
if he pleases to call them so, arising from my own
interest and situation ; because, on no considera-
tion will I venture on this weak scheme, unless
strengthened by your acquiescence in it ; nor,
were it a secure and strong one, with the least ap-
pearance against me, (and I think it would be great;)
or with the feeling I should have, if I accepted a
favour now, when you were to receive, and perhaps,
in their opinion, they were enabled to give you, an
affront.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours ever,
H. Fox.
P. S. If you still think your delicacy affected,
k 2
\3°Z CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
I will write as you may alter this expression. As
far as it concerns myself, I will adhere to my own
sentiment, though it were not confirmed by the
Duke.
Friday night.
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX TO MR. PITT.
April 26, 1755.
Dear Sir,
The King, about four this afternoon, sent me
word by Lord Waldegrave, that he graciously con-
descended to admit me into his cabinet council. (*)
I want to tell you more than I can pretend to write.
My house has proved as bad for our meeting at as
yours. Pray think of some other place, and let me
know a sure one. Whether the determination is
likely to be wise or foolish with, regard to you, I
have taken so much pains in vain to learn, that I
conclude there is no determination yet. I find
nothing is so terrible as what, if they knew us, they
ought to wish, our being in conjunction with them
and in their service. This makes it important that
we should not be known to meet — and yet we
should. Adieu !
H. Fox.
The bearer, Calcraft, will wait for your answer,
at what hour you please to-morrow or next day,
(*) In the gazette of the same evening Mr. Fox's name
appeared as one of the Lord's Commissioners, and on the 28th
the King took his departure for Hanover.
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 133
unless you approve of our not meeting ; and then I
can contrive to lay the whole before George Gren-
ville. I hate this mystery; 'tis their fault. (*)
(!) The following is Lord Waldegrave's own account of his
share in this negotiation : — " Murray and Sir Thomas Robinson
were at this time the only leading members in the House of
Commons, in whom the Duke of Newcastle had a thorough
confidence ; but the one wanted abilities, the other wanted
spirit ; and though the administration had in every division a
very great majority, many of their steadiest voters were
laughers at least, if not encouragers, on the other side of the
question. It therefore became necessary that Pitt and Fox
should be disunited ; one of them must be treated with, and
Fox was first applied to, as being thought more practicable, less
disagreeable to the King, and more a man of business. As
Fox was apt to be warm, and the Duke as apt to be shuffling, it
seemed necessary that some neutral person should negotiate
between them, and his Majesty thought proper to employ me
on this occasion, because I belonged to neither of them, but
was a well-wisher to both.
" That the progress of this amicable treaty might not be
interrupted by a fresh quarrel, I persuaded them to defer their
meeting till they had settled preliminaries, and clearly under-
stood each other's meaning. Fox very readily gave me his
demands in writing, which I reported to the King, and entered
into a more minute explanation with the Duke of Newcastle,
who made some objections, and proposed some alterations, but
consented to most of the material articles. There would have
been many more difficulties, if I had not began by terrifying his
Grace with a melancholy representation of the fatal conse-
quences of Fox's uniting with Pitt in open opposition : how
he would be exposed to all the virulence of abusive oratory ; how
his leaders in the House of Commons would be treated with
contempt ; and how his numerous parliamentary forces, having
learned to despise their generals, would soon become mutinous
and ungovernable. On the other hand I assured Fox, that the
King had, if possible, still less inclination to make him a
minister than the Duke of Newcastle himself. I therefore ad-
K 3
134 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
REMARKS ON THE PRECEDING CORRESPONDENCE.
[In the hand-writing of Mr. Pitt.]
If Mr. Fox should be treated with by the Duke
of Newcastle, what must be our situation? He
must either close with the offers made him, to our
prejudice, or demand that satisfaction should be
made to us ; that is, in effect, treat for us. If he
takes the first part, that of dropping us ; possessed
as he is of the Duke, pushed and supported by Lord
Granville, reconciled with and assisted by Stone,
favoured by Lady Yarmouth, and liked and trusted
by the King, we shall be left without a remedy. If
he takes the other honourable part, that of treating
for us ; we are thereby reduced to a very inferior
situation in point of figure, and entangled inex-
tricably by such an obligation (no matter for the
motives of his seeming generosity) not only for
vised him as a friend, to rest satisfied with a moderate share of
power, and to wait for a more favourable opportunity, unless
he had absolutely determined to join Pitt, set the nation in a
flame, and take the closet by storm. All natural difficulties
being at last removed, I proposed an interview, which pro-
duced the following agreement : — that Fox should be called up
to the cabinet council ; that employments should be given
to some of his friends, who were not provided for; and that
others, who had places already, should be removed to higher
stations." — Memoirs, p. 32.
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 135
the present, but embarked in his bottom, in all ap-
pearance, for times to come. (')
Is not some remedy to be thought of against so
disadvantageous, mortifying, and dangerous a situ-
ation ? May not that remedy be to resolve to
talk for ourselves, and endeavour to bring things to
some explanation, before the above-mentioned con-
juncture is actually come upon us? Is not the
sort of overture, made through Mr. Walpole (2), a
(!) " May 9, 1755. Mr. Pitt came to Lord Hillsborough's,
where was Mr. Fox, who, stepping aside, and Mr. Pitt thinking,
he was gone, the latter declared to Lord Hillsborough, that all
connection between him and Mr. Fox was over — that the
ground was altered — that Fox was of the cabinet and regent
— that he would be second to nobody, &c. Mr. Fox rejoining
the company, Mr. Pitt, being heated, said the same and more to
him ; that if Fox succeeded, and so made way for him, he
would not accept the seals of secretary from him, for that
would be owning an obligation and superiority, which he would
never acknowledge : he would owe nothing but to himself. Mr.
Fox asked him, what would put them upon the same ground ? to
which Pitt replied, a winter in the cabinet, and a summer's
regency. Pitt talked the same over again to Lord Hills-
borough, who endeavoured to soften matters ; but Pitt was un-
alterable, and desired him, as a friend, to take an opportunity of
telling Mr. Fox that he wished there might be no further con-
versation between them on the subject ; that he esteemed Mr.
Fox, but that all connection with him was at an end." —
Dodington's Diary, p. 284.
(-) " At one period the two rival orators seem to have ar-
ranged their respective pretensions : Mr. Fox was to be placed
at the head of the treasury, and Mr. Pitt to have the seals of
secretary of state. But this agreement was of short duration.
Mr. Pitt was incensed, because his rival was admitted into tlie
cabinet, and appointed one of the lords of the regency. Mr.
Walpole was deeply concerned at this fatal struggle between two
K 4
136 CORRESPONDENCE OF 175 5
sufficient and natural foundation for some conversa-
tion, in which I might avail myself of the dispositions
intimated in my favour ? — take them for sincere
and real, and ground on them a desire that, at least,
my state with the King might be brought to an ex-
plicit point ? — that I could no longer remain in the
dark, concerning a thing upon which all my conduct
ought in reason to turn ? — that, if I am so unhappy
as to lie under his Majesty's irremovable displeasure,
and an unalterable determination, in consequence
of it, that I am at no time and in no exigency, to
be suffered to have the honour to be admitted to
the closet ; that, at least, I might humbly hope to
hear the grounds of his Majesty's so deep rooted
aversion? — whether it grows out of an opinion that
persons with whom he was equally connected. He considered
Mr. Pitt as the only person who, from his independent spirit and
energy of character, was capable of over-ruling the wavering
councils of a divided cabinet ; and with this prepossession he
eagerly accepted a commission from the Duke of Newcastle, to
effect an accommodation with Mr. Pitt, and endeavoured to
soothe his inflexible spirit, by apologising for the Duke's con-
duct, and declaring in his name that the utmost endeavours
had been used to gratify his wishes. Mr. Pitt received the
overtures with complacency ; but demanded, as a proof of the
Duke's sincerity, that the proscription which excluded him from
the cabinet should be removed, and a promise obtained from
the King of the seals in case of a vacancy. Mr. Walpole ap-
proved these proposals; but the Duke of Newcastle, with his
usual versatility, expressed his resentment against Mr. Walpole
for exceeding his commission, and agreeing to terms which he
was neither willing nor able to grant." — Coxes Lord Walpole,
vol. ii. p. 405.
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 137
my services would be useless there, in which his
Majesty would but do me right ; or from impressions
on the Royal mind, infinitely more mortifying to
me, namely, that I am not worthy to be trusted there,
in which I am willing to flatter myself his Majesty
would have been misled to do me some wrong.
Whichever the fatal cause of my depression may be,
is it not reasonable, just, and necessary, that I should
know it, in order that I may no longer look
towards impossible things, perhaps continue to do
injustice in my thoughts to endeavours in my
favour that may have been sincere though fruitless,
and waste my life under a delusion that must prove
fatal to the little credit I may still be fortunate
enough to have to manage with the world ?
If I have flattered myself in vain with the hopes
the Royal mind must relent, — when the hard, irre-
vocable decree, together with the grounds of it is
known to me, I may take my final part as reason
will warrant, according to the necessity imposed on
me. I shall then be enabled, upon certainty and
knowledge, to determine either for acquiescence as
I am, or resistance of what I hope I don't deserve,
or for a retreat from both.
138 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Clare Hall, May 18, 1755.
Dear Uncle,
My declamation is at length over ; and with much
fear and trembling I have endeavoured publicly to
testify the love I bear my country, and I really
think it no very insignificant trial of assurance, es-
pecially as I have been of late a good deal out of
order with a feverish disorder that I have pretty
well got the better of at present. * * *
Your ever affectionate nephew,
Thomas Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Pay Office, May 20, 1755.
My dear Nephew,
I am extremely concerned to hear that you have
been ill, especially as your account of an illness, you
speak of as past, implies such remains of disorder
as I beg you will give all proper attention to. By
the medicine your physician has ordered, I conceive
he considers your case in some degree nervous. If
that be so, advise with him whether a little change
of air and of the scene, together with some weeks
course of steel waters, might not be highly proper
for you. I am to go the day after to-morrow to
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 139
Sunning Hill, in Windsor Forest, where I propose
to drink those waters for about a month. Lady
Hester and I shall be happy in your company, if
your doctor shall be of opinion that such waters
may be of service to you ; which, I hope, will be
his opinion. Besides health recovered, the muses
shall not be quite forgot : we will ride, read, walk,
and philosophise, extremely at our ease, and you
may return to Cambridge with new ardour, or at
least with strength repaired, when we leave Sunning
Hill. If you come, the sooner the better, on all
accounts. We propose to go into Buckinghamshire
in about a month.
I rejoice that your declamation is over, and that
you have begun, my dearest nephew, to open your
mouth in public, ingenti patriae perculsus a/more. I
wish I had heard you perform ; the only way I ever
shall hear your praises from your own mouth. My
gout prevented my so much intended and wished-
for journey to Cambridge, and now my plan of
drinking waters renders it impossible. Come then,
my dear boy, to us ; and so as Mahomet and the
mountain meet, no matter which moves to the
other. Adieu.
Your ever affectionate,
W. PrTT.
140 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
July 13, 1755.
My dear Nephew,
I have delayed writing to you in expectation
of hearing farther from you upon the subject of
your stay at college. No news is the best news ;
and I will hope now that all your difficulties upon
that head are at an end. I represent you to myself
deep in study, and drinking large draughts of intel-
lectual nectar ; a very delicious state to a mind
happy enough and elevated enough to thirst after
knowledge and true honest fame, even as the heart
panteth after the water brooks.
When I name knowledge, I ever intend learning
as the weapon and instrument only of manly,
honourable, and virtuous action upon the stage of
the world, both in private and public life, as a
gentleman, and as a member of the commonwealth,
who is to answer for all he does to the laws of his
country, to his own breast and conscience, and at
the tribunal of honour and good fame. You, my
dear boy, will not only be acquitted, but applauded
and dignified at all these respectable and awful bars.
So macte tud virtute ! Go on and prosper in your
glorious and happy career, not forgetting to walk
an hour briskly, every morning and evening, to
fortify the nerves. I wish to hear, in some little
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 14l
time, of the progress you shall have made in the
course of reading chalked out. Adieu.
Your ever affectionate uncle,
W. Pitt.
Lady Hester desires her best compliments to
you.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Stowe, July 21, 1755.
My dear Nephew,
I am just leaving this place to go to Wotton ;
but I will not lose the post, though I have time
but for one line. I am extremely happy that you
can stay at your college, and pursue the prudent
and glorious resolution of employing your present
moments with a view to the future. May your
noble and generous love of virtue pay you with the
sweet rewards of a self-approving heart, and an ap-
plauding country ! and may I enjoy the true satis-
faction of seeing your fame and happiness, and of
thinking that I may have been fortunate enough to
have contributed, in any small degree, to do com-
mon justice to kind nature by a suitable education!
I am no very good judge of the question concern-
ing the books. I believe they are your own in the
same sense that your wearing apparel is. I would
retain them, and leave the candid and equitable
Mr. * * * to plan, with the honest Mr. # * *,
142 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
schemes of perpetual vexation. As to the persons
just mentioned, I trust that you bear about a mind
and heart much superior to such malice ; and that
you are as little capable of resenting it, with any
sensations but those of cool decent contempt, as
you are of fearing the consequences of such low
efforts. As to the caution money, I think you
have done well. The case of the chambers, I con-
ceive, you likewise apprehend rightly. Let me
know in your next what these two articles require
you to pay down, and how far your present cash is
exhausted, and I will direct Mr. Campbell to give
you credit accordingly. Believe me, my dear
nephew, truly happy to be of use to you.
Your ever affectionate,
W. Pitt.
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Clare Hall, July 27, 1755.
Thanks to my dearest uncle for his very kind
and affectionate letter. Believe me, sir, when I
consider the very particular happiness I am blest
with in having such friends to assist and comfort
me in my uneasy situation, I am so far from
repining and complaining at my distresses, that I
think they deserve the most hearty congratulations
and thanksgivings. I shall, according to your
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 143
advice, keep the books, at least till I am further
pressed upon that subject ; and, in the meantime,
I assure you * * * * is most freely welcome to in-
dulge his evil genius, if he pleases ; for as I am,
thank God, superior to the power of his malice, so
am I most thoroughly insensible to any of the mean
marks of his displeasure. The caution money
comes to twenty-five pounds, and the income of
my former rooms to about twelve more. I am not,
however, in any immediate want at present ; but if
you will be so good as to leave an order with Mr.
Campbell for twenty pounds, I shall be able to
draw upon him for it when I want it.
If this finds you, as I suppose it will, at Wotton,
I beg leave to trouble you with my best respects
to Mr. and Mrs. Grenville, and assure them nothing
but the Muses could detain me from accepting the
invitation they so kindly offered me of passing part
of my vacation with them. I am, my dearest uncle,
with the warmest gratitude,
Your most affectionate nephew,
Thomas Pitt.
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Clare Hall, August 27, 1755.
* * * I have, I believe, since I last wrote to
you, finished Ludlow, Burnet's History of his Own
144 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
Times, and Hale's History of the Common Law.
His analysis of the law seems to be a work of
infinite merit ; but I should imagine would be
much more useful to a person who studies the law,
and pursues the course as he directs him. I am
impatient, my dear uncle, to hear from you the
joyful news of an addition to your family, which, I
doubt not, will soon give us an opportunity to ad-
mire you as much in the father, as we already
do in the patron, the husband, and the friend.
Give me leave to trouble you with my love to Lady
Hester, and believe me,
Your most affectionate nephew,
Thomas Pitt.
HORATIO WALPOLE, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Wolterton, Sept. 15, 1755.
Dear Sir,
At the close of your favour to me of a distant
date, you asked me a question which I did not
answer sooner, because I could not, and which,
although I am still as little able to do, I now think
proper to mention, that Mr. Pitt may not imagine,
that any thing can fall from his mouth or pen un-
worthy of my notice. You were pleased to say,
"you long to know my ideas upon public affairs I"
now, except what relates to the peace and quiet of
the administration in Ireland, which you will easily
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. ] 45
believe, for particular reasons, I have much at
heart ('), I can sincerely assure you, that I have
never desired, and have never received, besides
what is in the ordinary news, any information con-
cerning public affairs, and am entirely a stranger
to the plan of measures to be pursued at this great
crisis ; and therefore you will easily believe that
my ideas must, for want of lights, be very dark
and imperfect.
The conclusion of your letter was remarkable.
You say, that "as to yourself you despair of the
public affairs, unless the sense of impending ruin
should awaken an age sunk in supineness, and
blinded by faction." I was sorry to read these
expressions from Mr. Pitt ; because they seem to
disappoint entirely some hopes I was willing to
entertain, that a ministerial plan would at last be
settled in such a manner, as you know I employed
great though fruitless pains to compass (2) ; for the
day before I left town, I had an intimation, which
I could not question, that a great magistrate, or
minister of state, was in a few days to have a con-
fidential conference with you on the same subject,
which is so essential and necessary for the public
weal. Whether that conference was held, and
what was the result of it if it was, I suppose can
be of no consequence to inquire now. As to my
(') Mr. Walpole's eldest son had married Lady Rachael
Cavendish, daughter of the Duke of Devonshire, at this time
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
(2) Seep. 135.
VOL. I. L
146 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
coming to town, I am well and quiet here, and I
don't see that my presence alone can be of any
service to my distracted country ; though it is pos-
sible the finishing the purchase of a small estate
will, as the lawyers tell me it must, carry me
to town, or the Appleby election, if that is not
compromised. I am ever, with the greatest affec-
tion and esteem, dear Sir,
Your most obedient,
most humble servant,
H. Walpole.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Bath, September 25, 1755-
I have not conversed with my dear nephew a
long time. I have been much in a post-chaise,
living a wandering, Scythian life, and he has been
more usefully employed than in reading or writing
letters, — travelling through the various, instruct-
ing, and entertaining road of history. I have a
particular pleasure in hearing now and then a word
from you in your journey, just while you are chang-
ing horses, if I may so call it, and getting from one
author to another. I suppose you going through
the biographers, from Edward the Fourth down-
wards, not intending to stop, till you reach to the
continuator of honest Rapin. There is a little
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 147
book I never mentioned, Welwood's Memoirs. (')
I recommend it. Davis's Ireland (2) must not on
any account be omitted : it is a great performance,
a masterly work, and contains much depth and ex-
tensive knowledge in state matters, and settling of
countries, in a very short compass. I have met
with a scheme of chronology by Blair, showing all
cotemporary historical characters through all ages.
It is of great use to consult frequently, in order to
fix periods, and throw collateral light upon any
particular branch you are reading. Let me know,
when I have the pleasure of a letter from you, how
far you are advanced in English history.
You may probably not have heard authentically
of Governor Lyttelton's captivity and release. (3)
He is safe and well in England, after being taken
and detained in France some days. Sir Richard
and he met, unexpectedly enough, at Brussels,
(') " Memoirs of the most material Transactions in England,
for the last hundred Years preceding the Revolution of 1688."
(2) Entitled " A Discourse of the true Causes why Ireland
was never entirely subdued, nor brought under Obedience of
the Crown of England, until the beginning of His Majesty's
happy Reign," and first published in 1612.
(3) William Henry, sixth son of Sir Thomas Lyttelton of
Hagley, appointed, in 1755, governor of South Carolina. The
Blandford man of war, in which he was proceeding to his
government, was captured by the French squadron under Count
Guay, and sent into Nantz, but was shortly after restored. In
1760, he was constituted governor of Jamaica; in 1766, envoy
extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the court of Portugal ; in
1776, created Baron Westcote, of Ballymore in the county of
Longford ; and in 1794, a British peer, by the title of Lord
Lyttelton. He died in 1808.
L 2
148 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
and came together to England. I purpose returning
to London in about a week ; where I hope to find
Lady Hester as well as I left her. We are both
much indebted for your kind and affectionate
wishes. In publico, commoda peccem, si longo ser-
mone morer one bent on so honourable and virtuous
a journey as you are.
Your most affectionate
W. Pitt.
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Clare Hall, October 7, 1755.
Dear Uncle,
Do you not wonder what is become of me, that
I have not yet answered the letter you wrote me
of the 25th of last month ? Indeed, you have reason
to accuse me of laziness ; but I assure you that is
not the only cause of my silence. Sir Richard
Lyttelton promised me the honour of a visit at
Clare Hall last week, and I laid strong injunctions
upon him to bring you with him. I am afraid he
has been so far from executing his commission with
care, that he has suffered himself to be detained by
you in town, at least some time longer, as I have
heard nothing of him.
The progress I have made in my historical
journey since I wrote to you has not been incon-
1755. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 149
siderable. I have gone through Ireland with Sir
John Davis very attentively, and am extremely
pleased with my guide. His style, I confess, is
something queer, but his observations are extremely
j udicious. His metaphors please me much : they are
just and beautiful ; one in particular strikes my fancy,
— that wherein he compares the justices itinerant
to well regulated planets, which at certain periods
bless mankind with their light and influence. (')
I have gone through Burnet's honest Whig history
of his own times, and not meeting with the biogra-
phers as soon as I wanted them, I began and have
almost finished Mr. Tindal. Pere Orleans lies by
me ready to take up immediately, and I shall then
go back to those Life-writers that I have not yet
read. I am conscious this way of travelling is
practised only by the crab ; but as I have pursued
the thread of history uninterrupted, I flatter myself,
I shall not have so much reason to repent it. Our
lectures begin next Monday, being the new term ;
they will take up some of my time, but I will take
care not to let alone the private studies, which will
probably be of more essential use to me hereafter,
than what is generally taught in colleges : however,
(') " The number of the judges in every bench was increased,
which do now every half year (like good planets in their several
spheres or circles) carry the light and influence of justice round
about the kingdom ; whereas the circuits in former times went
but round about the pale, like the circuit of the Cynosura about
the pole —
' Qua cursu niteriore, brevi convertitur orbe.' "
Discourse, p. 267.
L 3
150 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
not entirely neglecting their learning, but as far as
I am able gathering honey from every flower.
I am pretty well at present, but am obliged to
ride every day ; which I find is the only thing that
will preserve my health in Cambridge. I had a
letter from my sisters lately : they are by this time
at Geneva.
Adieu, my dear uncle,
Your ever affectionate nephew,
Thomas Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Pay Office, Dec. 6, 1755.
Of all the various satisfactions of mind I have
felt upon some late events, none has affected me
with more sensibility and delight, than the reading
my dear nephew's letter. The matter of it is worthy
of a better age than that we live in, worthy of
your own noble, untainted mind j and the manner
and expression of it is such as, I trust, will one
day make you a powerful instrument towards mend-
ing the present degeneracy. Examples are unne-
cessary to happy natures ; and it is well for your
future glory and happiness, that this is the case ;
for to copy any now existing might cramp genius,
and check the native spirit of the piece, rather than
contribute to the perfection of it.
I learn from Sir Richard Lyttelton that we may
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 151
have the pleasure of meeting soon, as he has already,
or intends to offer you a bed at his house. It is on
this as on all occasions, little necessary to preach pru-
dence, or to intimate a wish that your studies at
Cambridge might not be broken by a long interrup-
tion of them. I know the Tightness of your own
mind, and leave you to all the generous and anima-
ting motives you find there, for pursuing improve-
ments in literature and useful knowledge, as much
better counsellors than
Your ever most affectionate uncle,
W. Pitt.
Lady Hester desires her best compliments. The
little cousin is well.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Horse Guards, Jan. 13, 1756.
My dear Nephew,
Let me thank you a thousand times for your
remembering me, and giving me the pleasure of
hearing that you were well, and had laid by the
ideas of London and its dissipations, to resume the
sober train of thoughts that gowns, square caps,
quadrangles, and matin-bells naturally draw after
them. I hope the air of Cambridge has brought
no disorder upon you, and that you will compound
with the Muses, so as to dedicate some hours, not
L 4
152 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
less than two, of the day to exercise. The earlier
you rise, the better your nerves will bear study.
When you next do me the pleasure to write to
me, I beg a copy of your Elegy on your mother's
picture. It is such admirable poetry, that I beg
you to plunge deep into prose and severer studies,
and not indulge your genius with verse, for the
present. Finitimusoratoripoeta. Substitute Tully
and Demosthenes in the place of Homer and Virgil ;
and arm yourself with all the variety of manner,
copiousness and beauty of diction, nobleness and
magnificence of ideas, of the Roman consul ; and
render the powers of eloquence complete by the
irresistible torrent of vehement argumentation, the
close and forcible reasoning, and the depth and for-
titude of mind, of the Grecian statesman. This I
mean at leisure intervals, and to relieve the course
of those studies which you intend to make your
principal object. The book relating to the empire
of Germany, which I could not recollect, is Vitria-
rius's Jus Publicum ('), an admirable book in its
kind, and esteemed of the best authority in matters
much controverted. We are all well. Sir Richard
is upon his legs, and abroad again.
Your ever affectionate uncle,
W. Pitt.
(!) " Institutiones Juris Publici selectissimae."
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 1,53
THOMAS POTTER, ESQ.(') TO MR. PITT.
Tuesday, May 11, 1756.
Your kind remembrance could not but revive
your poor friend, worn out as he is. If I had been
going the contrary way to that which, by the
assistance of the waters, seems to be my present
destination, I should have stopped a moment in
the journey, just to have left my thanks and ac-
knowledgments ; but I am now mounting the hill
again. Hygeia, in the habit of a water nymph,
beckons me, and supports my tottering steps. I
advance, but still the summit is so distant, that I
have scarce courage to look up to it. So just, so
well aimed a blow has that malevolent giant, in
the form of a doctor, given me ! Each day I mount
a step ; but, alas ! many a comfortless one is yet to
be taken, before I approach the ground where ease
has taken her residence.
But I find that I am capable of disagreeable
sensations, besides those which my distemper fur-
nishes. I have heard of you, much more than I
(!) Thomas Potter, second son of the Archbishop of Canter-
bury. In 1748, he was appointed secretary to Frederick Prince of
Wales, which situation he continued to hold until the Prince's
death in 1751. He was successively member for St. Germains,
Aylesbury, and Oakhampton, and distinguished himself in the
debates on the interference of the Duke of Newcastle at the
Seaford election, and on the Jews' naturalisation bill. He was
made joint vice-treasurer of Ireland in 1757, and died in June
1759.
154f CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
have heard from you ; and this week will furnish
many a day, glorious to the few, as fatal and igno-
minious to the numbers. (*) Think what he must
feel, whose chief joy has been to follow the little
pack, though at a distance, and who now feels him-
self doomed to the wicker chair for the rest of his
life!
The scenes at Prior Park(2) change every
hour j but the worthy owner has a heart that
cannot change. The present joy at the birth of
an heir does not respite the labours of the gardener.
Half the summer will show the bridge ; the dairy
opens to the lake ; vast woods have taken posses-
sion of the naked hills; and the lawns slope unin-
terrupted to the valleys. These scenes will not
tempt you hither, inviting as they are ; for Lady
Hester is at Wickham. Long may you both
continue to enjoy what contributes to such perfect
happiness ! Thus prays, though not for the last
time,
Your devoted faithful friend,
Thomas Potter.
(!) An allusion to the anticipated warm debates on the vote
of credit and Prussian treaty, which took place on the 12th
and 14th of May.
(2) The splendid seat of Ralph Allen, Esq., near Bath, at
which place Fielding laid the scene of the early years of Tom
Jones. Mr. Allen, the Allworthy of the novel, he describes as
" a human being replete with benevolence, meditating in what
manner he might render himself most acceptable to his Creator,
by doing most good to his creatures." Prior Park afterwards
became the property of Bishop Warburton, who married Allen's
favourite niece, Miss Gertrude Tucker. It has recently been
converted into a Roman Catholic college.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 155
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Hayes, near Bromley, May 11, 1756.
My dear nephew's obliging letter was every way
most pleasing, as I had more than begun to think
it long since I had the satisfaction of hearing he
was well. As the season of humidity and relaxation
is now almost over, I trust that the Muses are in no
danger of nervous complaints, and that whatever
pains they have to tell, are out of the reach of
Esculapius and not dangerous, though epidemical
to youth at this soft month,
" When lavish nature, in her best attire,
Clothes the gay spring, the season of desire."
To be serious, I hope my dearest nephew is per-
fectly free from all returns of his former complaint,
and enabled, by an unailing body and an ardent,
elevated mind, to follow, Quo te ccelestis sapientia
duceret. My holidays are now approaching, and I
long to hear something of your labours ; which I
doubt not will prove, in their consequence, more
profitable to your country, a few years hence, than
your uncle's. Be so good as to let me know what
progress you have made in our historical and con-
stitutional journey, that I may suggest to you some
farther reading.
Lady Hester is well, and desires her best com-
pliments to you. I am well, but threatened with
gout in my feet, from a parliamentary debauch till
156 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
six in the morning, on the Militia. (^ Poor Sir
Richard is laid up with the gout.
Your most affectionate uncle,
W. Pitt.
THE EARL OF BUTE(') TO MR. PITT.
[June 3, 1756.]
My worthy Friend,
I am immensely happy to hear of your success.
I am desired by their royal highnesses, the Prince
(*) " A few persons sat up till near six in the morning,
fabricating and fashioning the militia bill. Mr. Pitt recommended
it in a fine dissertation, and it was voted without a division."
— Walpoles Geo. II. vol. ii. p. 36.
(2) John Stuart, third Earl of Bute. In 1736, he married
Mary, only daughter of Edward Wortley Montagu, Esq., by the
celebrated Lady Mary Wortley Montagu; in 1737, he was
appointed one of the lords of the bed-chamber to Frederick,
Prince of Wales, and in 1756, groom of the stole to George,
Prince of Wales ; an office which he continued to hold on that
prince's accession to the throne. In 1761, he was made one of
the secretaries of state ; in June, ranger of Richmond Park ;
in August, chancellor of the university of Aberdeen, and one of
the governors of the Charter house. In May 1762, he was
constituted first lord of the treasury, which he resigned in
April following, and in September was installed one of the knights
of the garter. He died in 1792, at the age of seventy-nine.
The person and manner of the Earl of Bute are thus described, in
1757, by Lord Waldegrave, who preceded him in the office of
groom of the stole to the Prince of Wales: — "He has a good
person, fine legs, and a theatrical air of the greatest importance.
There is an extraordinary appearance of wisdom, both in his look
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 157
and Princess ('), to assure you of their being most
sensible to the zeal and activity you have shown,
ill a business concerning them so nearly. May
success attend it, equal to all our good intentions !
Prince Edward wanted to know of me, if he ought
to thank the King. I should be glad of your
opinion on this subject ; for I am not sure but his
Majesty may take some method of his own to
notify it to him. I have desired him not to speak
of it till he hears farther from me ; so the sooner
and manner of speaking ; for whether the subject be serious
or trifling, he is equally pompous, slow, and sententious. Not
contented with being wise, he would be thought a polite scholar,
and a man of great erudition, but he has the misfortune never to
succeed, except with those who are exceedingly ignorant ; for
his historical knowledge is chiefly taken from tragedies, wherein
he is very deeply read, and his classical learning extends no
further than a French translation. Frederick, Prince of Wales,
used frequently to say that Bute was a fine showy man, who
would make an excellent ambassador in a court where there
was no business. Such was his Royal Highness's opinion of
the noble earl's political abilities ; but the sagacity of the
princess dowager has discovered other accomplishments, of
which the prince her husband may not perhaps have been the
most competent judge." — Memoirs, p. 38.
(') " On the 31st of May, Lord Waldegrave, as the last act
of his office of governor, was sent with letters to the Prince and
to his mother, to acquaint them, that the Prince being now of
age, the King had determined to give him 40,000/. a year,
would settle an establishment for him, of the particulars of
which he should be informed, and that his Majesty had ordered
the apartments of the late Prince at Kensington, and of the
Queen at St. James's, to be fitted up for him ; that he would take
Prince Edward too, and give him an allowance of 5000/. a
year." — Walpoles George II, vol. ii. p. 50.
158 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
you can let me hear from you to-morrow on this
subject the better.
I ever am, my dearest friend,
most affectionately yours, &c.
Bute.
Thursday evening.
THOMAS POTTER, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Bath, June 4, 1756
Dear Sir,
I have an opportunity of having this delivered
by a safe hand to my wife, to whom my directions
are to give it to Dr. Ayscough ('), or to Sir Richard
Lyttelton, that it may be conveyed safely to you.
On my first arrival here, and indeed in several
visits during the course of the winter in London, I
was, at every opportunity, entertained by a reverend
friend of mine (2), with the highest encomiums and
panegyrics on the virtue and abilities of Mr. Pitt,
of the necessity government had of such men, and
of the public misfortune, that all the able men were
not joined together as they ought to be. This was
the subject of many conversations, in which my
part was as general as possible. When he left this
country he put into my hands one of his books,
(!) Dr. Francis Ayscough, tutor to the Prince of Wales; in
1761, appointed dean of Bristol.
(2) Dr. Stone, archbishop of Armagh.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 159
desiring me to make it acceptable to Mr. Pitt, and
hoping (with prodigious humility), that he should
be recommended to him by it, from the pains he
had taken in the service of Christianity.
Upon the death of the chief justice (]), the intel-
ligence he sent was, that all the attorney-general's (2)
private friends thought the office on every account
so fit for him, that it would be infatuation to decline
it; and that the attorney himself was of the same
opinion, but the Duke of Newcastle was frightened
at the thoughts of what was to become of the House
of Commons. In one letter, there were these
particular words : —
" The disposition of the chief justice, and the
solicitor-general {to Charles Yorke) will, I verily
believe, be as I mentioned; though as yet nothing is
fixed. If the first of these promotions takes place,
Mr. Pitt will be invited in ; for they have no notion
that the loss can be repaired any other way. Then,
to be sure, the chancellor of the exchequer (3)
goes out, and something will be found for the noble
(!) Sir Dudley Ryder, chief justice of the court of King's
Bench, died May the 25th. On the preceding day, he was to
have kissed hands on being raised to the peerage, by the title of
Baron Ryder of Harrowby, but his indisposition prevented his
attendance.
(2) The Hon. William Murray, attorney-general. In No-
vember, he was made lord chief justice of the king's bench.
At the same time he was created Baron Mansfield, and, in 1776,
Earl of Mansfield. He retired from his high office in 1788,
at the advanced age of eighty-four, and died in 1793.
(3) Sir George Lyttelton.
160 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
secretary (!) ; — a blue riband is found for him
already."
Charles Yorke (2), who has long had a wish to
quit the profession, has taken advantage of this
opportunity, and has sternly insisted with his father,
that unless he makes him solicitor-general, now
he will immediately pull off his gown. The chan-
cellor yields, and has promised either to make him
solicitor, or to consent that he shall quit the pro-
fession, and be a lord of the admiralty. I think
I know which side of the alternative the chancellor
will take. On Murray's leaving the bar, and Charles
Yorke's becoming solicitor-general, he would get
at least 4000/. per annum. The chancellor will
compute how much that exceeds the salary of a
lord of the admiralty, and the vices of the family
will probably operate, so as to keep poor Charles
in the only train in which he can be of any conse-
quence.
I thought it was fit you should know what were
the dispositions of the Duke of Newcastle. This
man has it from the fountain head. As to the part
you will act, if an opening is made to you, it
becomes me to leave it to yourself; but permit me
(') The Earl of Holdernesse.
(2) The Hon. Charles Yorke, second son of lord chancellor
Hardwicke. In November he became solicitor-general, and
in 1761, attorney-general. In January 1770, he was no-
minated lord chancellor, and a patent was preparing, creating
him a peer, by the title of Baron Morden, but he died suddenly,
at the age of forty-eight.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. l6l
to make two observations : — That the fright of the
Duke of Newcastle, like the rest of his frights,
proceeds from his ignorance : such is the temper
of the House of Commons, that if the whole busi-
ness rested on Sir George Lyttelton and Lord
Duplin (1), the debates on the court side would
be shorter, but there would not be a single vote less.
— The next is a mortifying consideration : — That
whatever sacrifices have been made to opinion, the
reputation of those who made them is increased in
the minds only of a few. Hanover treaties and
Hanover troops are popular throughout every coun-
try. The almost universal language is, opposition
must be wrong, when we are ready to be eat up
by the French.
(]) Thomas Hay. Viscount Duplin, afterwards eighth earl of
Kinnoul. He represented the town of Cambridge in three
parliaments. He was at this time joint paymaster of the
forces. In 1758, he was declared chancellor of the duchy
of Lancaster, and a member of the privy-council ; and in 1759
was sent ambassador-extraordinary to the court of Portugal.
On the accession of George III. he was continued in the office
of chancellor of the duchy; which he resigned in 1762. The
remainder of his life was chiefly spent at his seat in Scotland,
where he amused himself with planting, and other rural improve-
ments. " I was delighted," says Mrs. Montague, who visited
him in 1770, "to find an old friend enjoying that heart-felt
happiness, which attends a life of virtue. He is continually em-
ployed in encouraging agriculture and manufactures ; protecting
the weak from injury, assisting the distressed, and animating
the young to whatever is most fit and proper. He appears
more happy than when he was whirled about in the vortex of
the Duke of Newcastle." He died in 1787, at the age of
seventy-seven.
VOL. I. M v
16'2 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
There was an imagination here, that Parker (*)
would be made chief justice, and Henley (2) (who,
by the bye, has never had his name mentioned in
London for any thing), chief baron. I felt our
friend on the occasion, and found him staunch and
firm : but I had done a little more ; I had detached
a Tory common councilman from all those who
wTere likely to be candidates, and had brought him
to hold that language of you, as that the moment
your name had been proposed, he must have em-
braced your interest with eagerness. But it rests
there.
I have no more to add on business ; and indeed
my strength scarce supports me to write so much.
Since I troubled you last, I have narrowly escaped
sinking under repeated attacks of gout in my
stomach, lungs, &c, where good Dr. Duncan had
been so kind as to throw it. I am to pass, I believe,
the summer here ; for I have not an idea when I
can be able to quit Bath. May you and Lady Hester
enjoy all the happiness that health gives.
Your faithful friend, and devoted
humble servant,
Thomas Potter.
(') Sir Thomas Parker, at this time chief baron of the
exchequer.
(2) Robert Henley, Esq. In November, he was appointed
attorney-general, and received the honour of knighthood ; in
1757, lord-keeper; in 1760, created Baron Henley; in 1761,
constituted lord chancellor ; and in 1764, advanced to the dignity
of Earl of Northington. He died in 1772.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 163
THE RIGHT HON. GEORGE GRENVILLE TO MR. PITT.
Wotton, June 7, 1756.
My dear Pitt,
I received the first intelligence of the bad
news (!) you sent me from Lord Temple, the post be-
fore ; but as he did not mention the circumstance of
M. Galissoniere's return to his station before Mahon,
and of Mr. Byng's to Gibraltar (which, in the
present situation, are decisive), I still flattered my-
self with a better account, as I could not believe
that an officer of his rank or of his name would be
so forgetful of what he owed to both ; for though
I doubt very much of his being superior, or even
equal in force to the French fleet, if it consisted
of twelve ships of the line, as two out of his thirteen
are only fifty-gun ships, which are seldom put into
the line against very large ships, yet the inferiority
must have been greater than it appears to have
been, to justify a retreat, after so faint an attempt
as this is represented.
But, however the case may be with regard to
him, what can be the excuse for sending a force,
which at the utmost is scarcely equal to the enemy,
upon so important and decisive an expedition ?
Though in the venality of this hour, it may be
deemed sufficient to throw the whole blame upon
Byng, yet I will venture to say, the other is a
question that, in the judgment of every impartial
(l) The engagement between Admiral Byng and M. Galis-
sonniere, off Minorca, on the 23d of May.
M 2
164 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
man, now and hereafter, will require a better answer
than, I am afraid, can be given to it. Whatever
faults Byng may have, I believe he was not
reckoned backward in point of personal courage ;
which makes this affair the more extraordinary,
and induces me to wait for his own account of it,
before I form an opinion of it.
The scene, indeed, is a most melancholy, if not
a desperate one ; but if effects follow their causes,
surely we have no reason to be surprised at the
ruin that hangs over our heads. For my own part,
I turn my thoughts and my eyes to more pleasing
prospects. The bridge is getting up by degrees,
the oaks are coming out, the grass is growing with
the rains ; and yet, every now and then, an un-
pleasant reflection will come across me, and I ask
myself,
" Impius haec tarn culta novalia miles habebit ?
Barbaras has segetes ? " (*)
Are we to have the Russians and the Cossacks
here ? Methinks the present state will afford a fine
subject for our poetical cousin (2) to make a pane-
gyric in verse, as he has done in prose, upon the
great names that have brought us into it. I was
reading, two or three days ago, the short sketch
Horace gives of the state of the Roman govern-
ment under Augustus, and compared it with that
you have drawn for me: —
(J) " Did we for these barbarians plant and sow ?
On these, on these, our happy fields bestow ? "
Dryderis Virgil.
(2) Sir George Lyttelton.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 165
" Ne tamen ignores quo sit Romana loco res ;
Cantaber Agrippae, Claudi virtute Neronis
Armenius cecidit. Jus imperiumque Phraates
Caesaris accepit genibus minor. Aurea fruges
Italiae pleno difFudit copia cornu."^)
Would not this be a good model for a panegyric at
present ? I wish we may ever see the day it may
be applied with truth. Lord Temple has given us
hopes of calling here in his way to Stowe, but says
his motions are uncertain. My wife (2J tells me,
that she has sent you a full account of us all, great
and small, a few posts ago. Poppy boy desires to
have " the pleasure" of corresponding with Lady
Hester himself by the enclosed note. What there-
fore remains for me, but to rejoice with you on
our private happiness amidst the public misfortunes,
to congratulate you, and, let me add, the public
too, on your continuing so well, to return you a
thousand thanks for your kind attention in writing
to me when any thing very extraordinary happens,
and to assure you that I am ever,
Your most affectionate brother,
George Grenville.
(*) " Now condescend to hear the public news :
Agrippa's war the sons of Spain subdues.
The fierce Armenian Nero's virtue feels :
Short by the knees the haughty Parthian kneels :
Again the monarch is by Caesar crown'd,
And plenty pours her golden harvest round."
Francis's Horace.
(2) Mr. George Grenville married, in 1749, Elizabeth, sister
of Charles, Earl of Egremont, and daughter of Sir William
Wyndham, Bart. She died at Wotton, in 1769.
M 3
166 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY BILSON LEGGE TO
MR. PITT.
Holte Forest, June 16, 1756.
Dear Pitt,
We have often talked together, and with Lord
Bute, concerning lawyers of the second form, but
as I remember, the name of Moreton (*) was never
mentioned amongst us. For my own part, I rather
suspected he was gone, or going over to the enemy,
as I had heard that offers were made, and strong
solicitations used to gain him. Two or three days
ago, I received a message from him by Martin (2),
to desire I would use what interest I could, to get
him recommended for solicitor-general to the
Princess of Wales, in case a vacancy should happen.
At the same time I was informed, that the Duke
of Newcastle had offered him a silk gown, and
made strong love to him, during all the last winter,
by the procuration of Hume Campbell (3) ; but
that he had flatly refused the offer, and all con-
nexion with his Grace, and maintained his chastity
untainted, with a degree of spirit and virtue
(!) Sir William Moreton, recorder of London, and member
for Brackley. He died in 1763.
(2) Samuel Martin, Esq., at this time member for Camelford ;
and in the following November, appointed secretary to the
treasury, under Mr. Legge.
(3) The Hon. Alexander Hume Campbell, twin brother to
Hugh, Earl of Marchmont, at this time member for Berwick-
shire, and lord register of Scotland. He died in 1760.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 167
capable of sending Hume to the cart's tail for the
attempt.
This behaviour certainly ought to recommend
him. I have, therefore, wrote to Lord Bute, stated
the case, and desired him to confer with you upon
the subject. Pray, what think you of him? Sure,
he is as good as Henley or Charles Yorke any day
in the week ; and if Pratt (*) is attorney (which I
trust will certainly be) and Moreton solicitor, we
shall out-lawyer them upon the whole, notwith-
standing the enemy are possessed of the grand
magazine of legal preferments.
Though I lead a life here of much tranquillity,
and entirely released miserd ambitione graviqae, I
can't help being very solicitous to know a little of
what passes in town, and find that curiosity is a
passion (if it be worthy of that name) harder to
subdue than ambition. If you should think ad-
visable to give me any hint, I should imagine a
letter enclosed to my wife (2), directed by any hand
(') Charles Pratt, Esq., in 1759 chosen recorder of Bath,
and appointed attorney-general ; in 1761, constituted chief-
justice of the court of common pleas ; in 1765, created Baron
Camden," of Camden Place, Kent; and in 1766, appointed lord
high chancellor; from which office he was removed in 1770.
In 1784s he was constituted lord president of the council; in
1786, advanced to the dignities of Viscount Bayham and Earl
of Camden ; and died April 18, 1794.
(2) Mr. Legge married in 1750, Mary, daughter of Edward,
fourth Lord Stawell ; who, in 1760, was created Baroness
Stawell. In 1768, her ladyship re-married to the Earl of
Hillsborough, afterwards Marquis of Downshire, and died in
1780.
M 4
168 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
but your own, and not franked, might escape the
curiosity of the post-office. I shall send this en-
closed to Pratt, and desire him to convey it to
you.
I rejoice most heartily with you upon the part I
hear West (*) acted, in the late Mediterranean
skirmish. Martin tells me, there is a letter arrived
from Lord Bristol at Turin, which speaks highly
of his behaviour, and ascribes the preservation of
the fleet to his bravery and conduct. I hope it is
true to a greater extent than we yet know, and
that you and your friends may prosper, both by
sea and land, and, if it won't sound like praying
for my own success after this, that I may ever be
of the number. Our best compliments to Lady
Hester.
I am, dear Pitt,
ever faithfully yours,
H. B. Legge.
(!) Rear-admiral Temple West, second in command under
Admiral Byng. He was the friend of Mr. Pitt, and a relation
of the Grenvilles. His behaviour on this distressing occasion is
acknowledged, on all hands, to have been most gallant. On
being carried to court by Lord Anson, the King said to him,
" I am glad to hear you have done your duty so well ; I wish
every body else had ! " In November, he was made a lord of
the admiralty ; and died in August following.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. l69
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
Kew, [July 15, 1756.]
My worthy Friend,
I this minute learn the event of yesterday, rela-
tive to the letter his Royal Highness sent on Friday
to the King. The Prince was unwilling it should
be mentioned to any body, out of respect to his
Majesty, till he himself should take notice of it. I
now hear the Duke of Newcastle was consulted
before Lord Pembroke (!) was sent for to receive
the answer, but that it was kept a profound secret
from you, and every other person, till yesterday.
This annoys me, for I depended on your knowing
it by another channel. I wish the Prince's patience
may hold out, in these reiterated scenes of neglect.
He has been in the greatest anxiety for this week
past, and with difficulty deferred waiting on his
Majesty in person.
I enclose a copy of the letter, in case it has not
reached you, but desire it may be returned me by
the servant. I hope it will be thought full of duty
and respect ; but the more it is so, the more I fear
the consequences of a refusal. I do not in the least
doubt but my worthy friend will see the propriety,
I had almost said necessity, of indulging his Royal
Highness in so noble, so reasonable a request, and
(!) Henry Herbert, tenth Earl of Pembroke. In November
he was appointed one of the lords of the bedchamber to the
Prince of Wales.
170 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
that he will, as far as the situation of his circum-
stances permit, endeavour to procure it a favour-
able answer.
I am with the greatest regard, dear Sir,
your most affectionate
and humble servant
Bute. (»)
Thursday night.
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
Leicester House, [July 20, 1756.]
Lord Bute presents his compliments to Mr. Pitt,
and in case he should be prevented from waiting
(') "July 7th, the attack on Leicester House was renewed.
A cabinet council was held to consider a message which New-
castle and the chancellor proposed should be sent in his
Majesty's name to the Prince, to know if he adhered to living
with his mother, and to the demand of having Lord Bute for
the groom of the stole. Mr. Fox asked, if the Prince had ever
made such a demand ? ' Oh ! yes,' said Newcastle. ' By whom ? '
asked Fox. Newcastle — 'Oh! by Munchausen and others !'
Accordingly, a second message was sent by Lord Waldegrave.
The Prince answered in writing, ' that since the King did him
the honour to ask him the question, he did hope to have leave
to continue with his mother, as her happiness so much de-
pended on it : for the other point, he had never directly asked
it ; yet since encouraged, he would explain himself, and from
the long knowledge and good opinion he had of Lord Bute, he
did desire to have him about his person.' The determi-
nation of the council was put off to a future day." — Walpoles
George II. vol. ii. p. 61.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 171
on him as he intends, gives him the trouble of this
note. He is amazed at the Duke's proposition,
after the conversation he had with him, at Mr. Pitt's.
He thought he had then fully explained the Prince's
ideas : he must at present, by his Royal Highness's
order, state them once again.
The Prince would esteem it as a great mark of
his Majesty's tenderness to him, if he will permit
him to have the free choice of his servants, when-
ever there shall have occurred (as at present)
vacancies in his family. He thinks his age, his
conduct, the King's goodness, all give him reason
to hope for this condescension. Should it prove
otherwise, the Prince, full of duty to his Majesty,
submits to whatever nomination he shall appoint.
Lord Bute flatters himself Mr. Pitt will perceive
how inconsistent the smallest hint of the Prince's
wishes would be with the free choice he meets from
his Majesty's indulgence. It would, undoubtedly,
be counteracting his own desires, nay, fixed resolu-
tions, that all tend strongly to the removal of a
principle, which subjects him to a harder fate than
any man in this kingdom ; therefore, the alteration
of that principle was the business to be attempted
by the Duke, and not the procuring this or that
office. The one puts the Prince on a level with
other people ; the other sinks him to a poor peti-
tioner. (!)
Tuesday night, 12 o'clock.
(') "At these cabinet councils, the Duke of Newcastle gave
his opinion, that the King would never suffer Lord Bute to be
172 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Hayes, October 7, 1756.
I think it very long since I heard any thing of
my dear nephew's health, and learned occupations
at the mother of arts and sciences. Pray give me
the pleasure of a letter soon, and be so good as to
let me know what progress is made in our plan of
reading. I am now to make a request to you in
behalf of a young gentleman coming to Cambridge,
Mr. Potter's son. The father desires much that you
groom of the stole ; but that something might be done for him,
in some other shape. When it was my turn to speak, I told
them I was fully convinced, that Leicester House would never
be contented unless their request was granted in its full extent.
During the whole summer, there were several consultations on
the subject : frequent letters and messages passed between Kew
and Kensington ; but instead of any agreement, the breach
was daily growing wider ; when at last, about the beginning of
October, the ministers, not daring to meet the parliament,
whilst Leicester House was dissatisfied, obtained the King's
consent, that the Prince of Wales should not remove to Ken-
sington, but should still continue with his mother ; and that
Bute should be groom of the stole, at the head of the new
establishment. I received his Majesty's commands to send
letters of notification to the Prince's new servants, and in-
troduced them at Kensington. The King could not be per-
suaded to look kindly on the new groom of the stole, neither
would he admit him into the closet, to receive the badge of his
office ; but gave it to the Duke of Grafton, who slipt the gold
key into Bute's pocket, wished it could have been given in a
more proper manner, but prudently advised him to take no
notice." — Waldegraves Memoirs, p. 67.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 173
and his son may make an acquaintance — as what
father would not ? Mr. Potter is one of the best
friends I have in the world, and nothing can oblige
me more than that you would do all in your power to
be of assistance and advantage to the young man.
He has good parts, good nature, and amiable
qualities. He is young, and consequently much
depends on the first habits he forms, whether of
application or dissipation.
You see, my dear nephew, what it is already to
have made yoursdlf princ&ps juventutis. It has its
glories and its cares. You are invested with a
kind of public charge, and the eyes of the world
are upon you, not only for your own acquittal, but
for the example and pattern to the British youth.
Lady Hester is still about, but in daily expectation
of the good minute. She desires her compliments
to you. My sister is gone to Howberry.
Believe me ever, my dear nephew,
most affectionately yours,
W. Pitt
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
Hayes, October 10, 1756.
Dear Nephew,
I have the pleasure to acquaint you with the
glad tidings of Hayes. Lady Hester was safely
delivered this morning of a son. (*) She and the
(!) John, afterwards second Earl of Chatham.
174 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
child are as well as possible, and the father in the
joy of his heart. It is no small addition to my
happiness to know you will kindly share it with
me. A father must form wishes for his child as
soon as it comes into the world, and I will make
mine, — that he may live to make as good use of
life, as one that shall be nameless is now doing at
Cambridge.
Quid voveat majus matricule dulcis alumno ? (')
Your ever affectionate
W. Pitt.
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Clare Hall, October 12, 1756.
My dear Uncle,
I have just received a message from the master
of Emanuel, to sup with Mr. Potter at his lodge ;
so that your letter came in very good time to
apprise me of the honour he intends me, in in-
troducing me to his son's acquaintance. I am
happy in having an opportunity of expressing the
readiness I always bear about me, of doing you
pleasure ; but I am particularly nattered with this
fresh mark of your esteem, and the opinion you
have of me. To say the truth, I do not doubt, I
(') " Can a fond nurse one blessing more,
E'en for her favourite boy implore ? "
Francis's Horace.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 175
may be of service to a young man at his first coming
to the University, if he chooses to have any reliance
upon me ; but I know, by the experience of our
good cousin, how ineffectual all advice is to one
who is disposed to other counsellors. I am sorry,
for many reasons, that they have sent him to
Emanuel : it has many disadvantages, and few
excellences that I know of; however, we must
make the best of it as it is, and as you say he is of
a tractable disposition, I do not doubt his doing
extremely well.
As to what you say in general of my being
an example for young men to follow, I know you
speak of me as your affection wishes me to be ;
but, my dear uncle, I feel how difficult such a
behaviour must be. I know my own faults and
imperfections too well to suffer me to think of such
a charge ; and, indeed, with all the youthiness I have
about me, I shall think myself extremely happy, if
I can acquit myself to my own conscience, and to
you. I flatter myself I have made a better use of
my time hitherto, than most people of my age ;
and though I meet with many who have a greater
depth of learning, I find myself their equal in useful
knowledge. Notwithstanding all this, I cannot
give myself much applause for it ; for I believe
there are few who would have profited so little of
so good a tutor. Besides this, I perceive my
memory so extremely treacherous and weak, that
I retain nothing distinctly of what I read, and am
therefore much slower in gaining and much more
170 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756
imperfect in retaining, whatever I attack. Do not
think by this I am tired in the race, or that my
ambition flags. I assure you I am too much your
nephew to give up the cause so faintly. I mention
this only to inform you truly of what materials you
are to make your Mercury, and I do not in the
least despair that your hammer will by degrees
form the block into shape, and bring it to an ex-
cellent work.
I have made great search in the libraries of the
University, but have not been able to find either
Vitriarius or Mozambano. (*) I have expected
them from London with as little success, and must
therefore desire you to send them to me, if you can
meet with them, for I understand they are very
scarce ; I have, in the meanwhile, employed myself
this summer in learning Italian, in which I hope
soon to make some progress. I have likewise
finished that heavy task of Rushworth's Collections,
together with Puffendorf's Introduction to the
History of Europe. I have read Hotman's Franco-
Gallia too (2), I believe, since I wrote last, and some
(!) Severenus di Mozambano was the pscudonyme under
-which Puffendorf published his treatise, " De Statu Imperii,
liber unus,"in 1667. The design was to prove that Germany
was a kind of republic, the constituent members of which being
ill-proportioned, formed a monstrous whole. The book was, in
consequence, prohibited, and burnt by the common hangman.
A translation into English by Edward Bohun appeared in 1698.
('-') A translation of this work into English, by Lord Moles-
worth, under the title of, " Franco-Gallia ; or, An Account of
the ancient Free State of Fiance and other parts of Europe
upon the Loss of their Liberties," appeared in 1715.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 177
of Davenant's(1) Essays. I should have read
more if I had not been obliged to make a little
excursion from Cambridge, which I had put off",
from time to time, for these three years, and till I
had almost given offence.
Give my compliments to Lady Hester, if you
please, and tell her I hope she will soon rejoice that
a man is born into the world.
I am, dear uncle,
Your most affectionate nephew,
Thomas Pitt.
THOMAS PITT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Clare Hall, October 13, 1756.
Dearest Uncle,
I will not lose a moment's time without assuring
you how much I partake in your joy. Tell Lady
Hester that I thank her over and over again for
the inestimable present she has made us; a present
so acceptable, that it would have endeared her to
us still more, were it possible for us to receive an
addition to our happiness in her. You know I
should find myself sufficiently interested in any
event that gave you satisfaction ; but upon the
present occasion, I forget the pleasure you receive
(a) Dr. Charles Davenant, son of Sir William Davenant.
An edition of the political and commercial works of this cele-
brated writer, collected and revised by Sir Charles Witworth,
appeared in 1771, in five volumes quarto.
VOL. I. N
178 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
as a father, and feel too much joy myself in this
accession to our family to think of any thing else.
Believe me, my dear uncle, it shall be always
the pride as well as delight of my life, to repay to
your little representative the obligations I owe to
your goodness ; and when, in the course of things,
you shall be no more seen, depend upon it, your
son shall find in me all the supply I can afford to
his loss, in the duties of a father, a brother, and a
friend.
Your most affectionate nephew,
T. Pitt.
THOMAS POTTER, ESQ., TO MR. PITT.
October 17, 1756.
Dear Sir,
In all my conversations, and in some with people
of and near the court, nothing seems more believed
than that proposals will be made to you. It is not
only said, that the Lord Chancellor and the Duke of
Newcastle are convinced they cannot go on with-
out you, but that Majesty itself shudders in its
closet, and will throw itself into the arms of those
who can promise him quiet and relief; that Mr.
Fox has no favour ; that his close connection with
the Duke of Cumberland represents him as an ob-
ject of jealousy ; and that to make such a man
minister, would be for the King to be governed by
his son ; that the only fear of you is your connection
with Leicester House, but that this is an evil the
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 179
least feared at present ; that the first offices should
be at your disposal, and real power put into your
hands ; that you should take the treasury your-
self. (')
I am told that my intelligence as to the express
sent to Hampshire was true, but that it did not
go from Lincoln's Inn Fields but from Leicester
Fields, and that a cabal is publicly talked of, in
which you are no party. All this is to be read
like the Daily Advertiser, for I am sure of nothing ;
and yet, as the newspaper says sometimes, they are
advices from persons of distinction. However, I
am certain that the man does not breathe who is
more sincerely, though so very fruitlessly,
Your faithful, and affectionate friend,
Thomas Potter.
P. S. If any thing should take place, think on
Pratt for attorney. If you have the lead in the
House of Commons 'tis fit you should have at
your elbow a lawyer of your own. He may be
brought into parliament in the room of the present
attorney, or for Lord Feversham's borough of
Downton. Nothing would vex or lower the inso-
lence of the Lord Chancellor more, and it would
bring away the dependence of Westminster Hall.
(') "On the 2nd of October, I had a note from Mr. Fox,
that things went ill, and I dined with him on the 14th, when
he appeared to be in an extraordinary perturbation. On the
19th, Mr. Pitt was sent for to town, and came. He returned,
rejecting all terms till the Duke of Newcastle was removed."
— Dodington s Diary, p. 346.
N 2
180 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
SIR RICHARD LYTTELTON (•) TO MR. PITT.
[November 2, 1756.]
The Duke of Bedford, the President (2), and
Mr. Fox were all in the closet before the Duke of
Devonshire (3) this morning. No wonder the
King was out of humour. The Duke of Bedford's
countenance was remarkably sullen before he went in,
and as remarkably elated when he came out again.
The Duke of Devonshire was asked (I believe
by Lord Waldegrave,) how his negotiation went on?
(!) Sir Richard Lyttelton, fifth son of Sir Thomas Lyttelton,
of Hagley, and brother of Sir George, afterwards Lord Lyt-
telton. In 1753, he was installed knight of the Bath, and was
at this time a colonel in the army, and member for Poole. A
few days after this letter was written, he was appointed master
of the jewel-office ; a situation which he resigned in 1762, on
being appointed captain-general and commander-in-chief of
the island of Minorca. In 1766, he was made governor of
Guernsey, &c, and died in 1770. In the park at Boconnoc,
Lord Camelford, caused an obelisk to be raised, with this in-
scription : — "In gratitude and affection, to the Memory of Sir
Richard Lyttelton, and to perpetuate the remembrance of that
peculiar character of Benevolence which rendered him the
Delight of his own Age, and worthy the veneration of Pos-
terity, 1771."
(e) Earl Granville.
(3) William, fourth Duke of Devonshire, at this time lord-
lieutenant of Ireland; and, on the 16th of this month, con-
stituted first lord of the treasury. In 1757, he resigned his
place in the treasury, and was appointed chamberlain of the
household. In 1762, he relinquished his employments in
England, but retained that of lord high treasurer of Ireland.
He died at Spa, in 1764, in the forty -fourth year of his age.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 181
Two other persons were present, one of whom (that
is to say, the Duke of Bedford or Fox) had been
in the closet ; he answered, " I don't very well
know, I think not so well as it did at first," and
added, "as the manner grows softer the matter
grows harder ; " and this was said with a smile, and
an air of intelligence towards the person before
whom he said it.
But all this comes from Charles (1), who staid
three hours to get it out of Waldegrave. He
seems to me to mean to render the Duke of Devon-
shire suspicious, and goes out of town to-morrow,
not to return unless his brother (2) should send for
him ; professing support and attachment to you,
but a determination not to accept any office (if
things should take that turn, which he seems con-
(') The Hon. Charles Townshend, second son of Charles,
third Viscount Townshend, and member for Yarmouth. In
1754, he was appointed a lord of the admiralty ; in 1756,
treasurer of the chamber, and member of the privy-council; in
1761, secretary at war; in 1763, first lord of trade and the
plantations; in 1765, paymaster-general; and in 1766, chan-
cellor of the exchequer, and one of the lords of the treasury ;
which post he continued to hold until his death, in September
1767, at the early age of forty-two.
(2) The Hon. George Townshend, afterwards fourth Vis-
count and first Marquis Townshend. He had served under
George II. at the battle of Dettingen, and also at the battles of
Fontenoy, Culloden, and Laffeldt. In 1759, at the memorable
siege of Quebec, he became commander-in-chief after the
death of Wolfe. He succeeded to the peerage in 1764- ; was
appointed lord lieutenant of Ireland in 1767 ; and master-general
of the ordnance in 1772, and again in 1783. He died in
1807, in his eighty-fourth year.
N 3
182 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
vinced they will not) that is not an office of busi-
ness; and represents his conversation with you this
morning as explicitly left upon that footing, for
your guidance with the Duke of Devonshire. He
says the Hanoverians are ordered home ; that the
order is gone for it, unless the conversations in the
closet this morning have recalled that order. He
says, Fox has altered his style of talking, and that
Waldegrave says the appearance to day was, that
old faces were growing again into more favour
than new. In short, it appears to me, that he does
not like his situation in the arrangement ; is deter-
mined his brother shall not like it, either for him
or for himself; and hopes by holding back and inti-
midating you from undertaking, to get a higher
thing, treasurer of the navy at least, six weeks
hence.
I beg pardon for troubling you with what he
says ; but if you take rhubarb again to-morrow this
intelligence may not be absolutely useless. (J)
Cavendish Square, Tuesday, night, 12 o'clock.
(!) " October 27. The King sent for Fox, acquainted him
that Newcastle would retire, and asked him if Pitt would join
with him ; bade him try. Fox the next day went to the Prince's
levee, and taking Pitt apart at the head of the stairs, said to
him, ' Are you going to Stowe ? I ask, because I believe you
will have a message of consequence by persons of consequence.'
' You surprise me,' said Pitt ; ' are you to be of the number ? '
Fox : < I don't know.' Pitt : ' One likes to say things to
men of sense, and of your great sense, rather than to others ;
and yet it is difficult even to you.' Fox : « What ! you mean
you will not act with me as a minister ? ' Pitt : ' I do.' And
then, to soften the abruptness of the declaration, left Fox with
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 183
THE RIGHT. HON. HENRY BILSON LEGGE
TO MR. PITT.
George Street, November 3, 1756.
Dear Pitt,
I am very sorry I was not at home when you
called, and the more so, as I wanted to tell you
the very honourable part a friend of mine has acted.
I told him the footing upon which I had put his
being of the cabinet. His answer was "for God's
sake, tell Mr. Pitt I desire nothing of this sort may
be moved now ; it may exasperate a certain person's
mind, so as to prevent the settlement's taking place,
which would give me the utmost concern. If it
could be done now, it may be done some time
hence, and I shall refer it to you and your friend,
when you shall be better acquainted with the cir-
cumstances of me and my office, to judge if I can
possibly go on without it. I would not take it,
when offered by a man I hate ; but I would by no
means obtrude it now, to interfere and create diffi-
culties in the adjusting of a plan I like, and
which I think necessary for the preservation of the
country."
saying, he hoped Fox would take an active part, which his
health would not permit him to do. The next day the Duke of
Devonshire was ordered by the King to try to compose some
ministry, and by the same authority sent for Mr. Pitt ; at the
same time, endeavouring to make him accommodate with Fox."
— Walpoles George II., vol. ii. p. 97.
N 4
184 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1755.
I have told this to B. to relate to you ; but
could not help writing it to you, before I go into
the country. I hope we shall both be suffered to
remain there quietly ; for the more I contemplate
the dangers we have escaped (and I hope we have
escaped them), the more I prefer female judgment
to my own. I am,
most affectionately yours,
H. B. Legge. (')
(') In a letter to Sir Horace Mann, written on the following
day, Mr. Walpole says : — " When Mr. Fox had declared his
determination of resigning, great offers were sent to Mr. Pitt ;
his demands were much greater, accompanied with a total
exclusion of the Duke of Newcastle. Some of the latter's friends
would have persuaded him, as the House of Commons is at his
devotion, to have undertaken the government against both
Pitt and Fox ; but fears preponderated. The king sent for Mr.
Fox, and bid him try if Mr. Pitt would join him. The latter
without any hesitation refused. In this perplexity the king
ordered the Duke of Devonshire to try to compose some mi-
nistry for him, and sent him to Pitt, to try to accommodate with
Fox. Pitt, with a list of terms a little modified, was ready to
engage, but on condition that Fox should have no employment
in the cabinet. Upon this plan negotiations have been carry-
ing on for this week. Mr. Pitt and Mr. Legge concluded they
were entering on the government as secretary of state and
chancellor of the exchequer ; but there is so great unwillingness
to give it up totally into their hands, that all manner of ex-
pedients have been projected to get rid of their proposals, or to
limit their power. Thus the case stands at this instant." —
Vol. iii. p. 154.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 185
WILLIAM BECKFORD, ESQ. (') TO MR. PITT.
Fonthill, November 6, 1756.
Dear Sir,
Let my esteem and regard plead an excuse for
the impertinence of this letter. The dismal ac-
counts received, and the melancholy prospect of
public affairs, make a change of men necessary ;
but as a change of measures only can save the
nation, I hope and trust, as you can, so you will
be the instrument of our deliverance. The rock
on which all gentlemen have split, who have lately
entered into administration, has been that they
come in as subalterns, not trusted with the power
of doing good, and without the least degree of trust
or confidence from the cabinet ; consequently, the
old leaven, who were in possession of that trust
and confidence, soon corrupted the whole mass,
and matters returned to their former corrupted
channel.
A new system is now absolutely necessary ; which
cannot be established without an almost total re-
moval of those men, who have brought these
miseries upon us. I have, during my whole life,
acted as a private man. In the militia of Jamaica
I was no more than a common soldier : in our pre-
(') Mr. Beckford was at this time one of the members for
the city of London ; of which he became successively alderman,
sheriff, and, on two occasions, lord mayor. He died in June,
1770.
186 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
sent political warfare, I intend to act as one of your
private soldiers without commission ; and be assured
I will never desert the cause of liberty and my
country, as long as the heart beats in the breast of,
Dear Sir,
your most obedient
and faithful servant,
William Beckeoiid.
EARL TEMPLE (i) TO MR. PITT.
Tuesday night, [November 9, 1756.]
My dear Pitt,
At my return here I found Sir Richard and
Jemmy (2) waiting for me to inform me of a very
disagreeable scene which had passed the preceding
day, betwixt them and the Townshends, in which
Charles was a principal actor, which ended, however,
very peaceably, and promises to go on still better,
provided the place of cofferer can be procured for
(!) Richard Grenville, eldest son of Richard Grenville, of
Wotton, Esq., by Hester Temple, daughter of Sir Richard
Temple, of Stowe, Bart., created, in 1749, Countess Temple.
On the death of his mother in 1752, he succeeded to the title.
From 1734 until he succeeded to the peerage, he represented
the town of Buckingham in parliament. A few days after this
letter was written, he was appointed first lord of the Admiralty,
and in 1757, keeper of the privy seal, which office he resigned
in October, 1761. His lordship died at Stowe, in September,
1779.
(2) Sir Richard Lyttelton and Mr. James Grenville.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 187
Charles. This is now made by them (the Towns-
hends) a sine qua non, and reclaimed as a promise,
the breach of which is to be deemed a violation of
our private honour. There is great discontent, too,
hanging about the friends, real or pretended, of
Lord Pulteney ('), under an idea that he is very
ill used, if not taken care of in this arrangement.
If the cofferer's place can be obtained, the Towns-
hen ds are to be most friendly, &c.
Under these impressions, I immediately went to
the Duke of Devonshire, and stated these parts to
him in their full strength, and in such a manner as
did not in the least seem to hurt him. He dreads
the attempt of removing the Duke of Leeds (2),
&c, but will send for Duplin in the morning, and
try with him and by him, to arrange something
that may answer our purpose, if possible. He told
me that this morning the Duke of Newcastle had
been in with the King a considerable time ; that
the Duke of Devonshire found the King ruffled ;
that he had only patience to cast his eye over one
page of the Duke of Devonshire's list ; that he
objected, in the strongest manner, to the promotion
(J) William Pulteney, the great political antagonist of Sir
Robert Walpole ; upon whose resignation, in 1741, he declined
to take any share in the new administration, but, in the follow-
ing year, he was created Viscount Pulteney and Earl of Bath.
He died in 1764.
(2) Thomas Osborne, fourth Duke of Leeds, had been ap-
pointed cofferer of the household in January. On the accession
of George III., he was constituted chief justice-in-eyre north of
Trent, and died in 1789.
188 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
of Potter, as a thing unheard of at the first step in
his service, &c.
Ellis (!) the King will not make secretary of
war, preferring Barrington (2) ; consequently, there
is no vacancy for Potter, but by a new destination
of one of the glorious triumvirate. The jew el-office
is opened by Lord Breadalbane's (3) going to chief
justice-in-eyre. Sir Richard Lyttelton's name
stands for that ; but Sir Richard does not like it
by any means, as it is not a place of particular dig-
nity, nor of much profit. Lord Bateman (4) and
Dick Edgcumbe (5), the two staves ; upon which I
(!) Welbore Ellis, son of the Right Rev. Welbore Ellis,
Bishop of Meath. He executed the duties of several high
official employments between 1749 and 1783, when he retired
from public life. He was created Baron Mendip in 1794, and
died in 1802, at the age of eighty-nine.
(-) William Windham, second Viscount Barrington, in 1746
a lord of the admiralty; in 1754, master of the wardrobe ; in
1755, secretary at war; in 1757, chancellor of the exchequer;
in 1762, treasurer of the navy; and in 1765 again secretary at
war. He died in 1793, in his seventy-sixth year.
(;!) Richard, third Earl of Breadalbane, in 1754 elected one
of the sixteen Scotch peers to the British parliament. He died
in 1782.
(4) John, second Viscount Bateman, at this time member for
Woodstock. In December, he was made a lord of the ad-
miralty ; in 1756, treasurer of the household; and in 1757,
master of the buck-hounds. He died in 1802.
(5) The Hon. Richard Edgcumbe, eldest son of Lord Edg-
cumbe, at this time member for Penryn. In December he was
appointed a lord of the admiralty, and in the following No-
vember, comptroller of the household. In 1758, he succeeded
his father as second Lord Edgcumbe, and died in 1761. His
lordship was a first-rate draughtsman, as the prints of the arms
of the two clubs at Arthur's, and that of Mary Squires, who
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 189
offered to Sir Richard to renew his pretensions to
comptroller ; but that he declines, from an impos-
sibility of going through the courtly attendance.
He points at Lord Hillsborough's office, whom
the King will not make a peer ([), to the re-
version of Dodington's Irish office, or in short
to any thing or nothing, in the kindest and most
obliging manner; but he thinks the jewel-office,
being better than the admiralty, may be agree-
able, and would suit very well, for Jack Pitt.
Half the pay-office is open at our disposal. If cof-
ferer cannot be vacated, and that they would put
George Grenville to the pay-office, providing for
Duplin, treasurer of the navy would open, and I
suppose still better satisfy Charles. What is to
be done concerning Potter ? You must tell me.
was tried for stripping Elizabeth Canning, testify. Some
specimens of his poetry are preserved in the New Foundling
Hospital for Wit, where he is characterised as " a man of fine
parts, great knowledge, and original wit; but one who was
unhappily a man of pleasure, and left to his gay associates a
most affecting example, how health, fame, ambition, and every
thing that may be laudable in principle or in practice, are
drawn into and absorbed by that most destructive of all whirl-
pools, gaming."
C1) On the 20th of November, Lord Hillsborough was
created a British peer by the title of Baron Harwich ; in 1772,
a viscount and earl by the title of Viscount Fairford and Earl
of Hillsborough ; and in 1789, advanced to the title of Marquis
of Downshire, in Ireland. In 1763, he was constituted
first lord of trade and the plantations ; in 1766, joint postmaster-
general ; and in 1768, and again in 1779, secretary of state for
the colonies. He died in 1793.
190 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
Treasurer of the chamber I suppose might do ; but
then there is no cloth left for Duplin's coat, nor
for Sir Richard's, unless we can procure that same
reversion.
On Thursday the Duke is to see the King again.
Legge tells me his Grace has spoken pretty
firmly, and will do it more so, if necessary ; but
how all this is to be arranged I scarce see, without
much disagreeable explanation. I wish to God
your fertile brain was not confined in bed. Let
Lady Hester write me your thoughts concerning
the Townshends, who I hear go to you, and Lord
Pulteney, &c. Enter the great and kind Jemmy ;
who will bring you this letter, and to me your
answer, &c.
Adieu. For God's sake get well.
Temple.
EARL TEMPLE TO MR. PITT.
[Endorsed, " On terms for coming into administration.'"]
Twelve at night, Thursday. [Nov. 11, 1756.]
My dear Pitt,
After a long consultation had on Wednesday
night with our friends, in consequence of the un-
promising reception we all met with at court (*),
(') At the levee, on the King's birth-day ; who had com-
pleted his seventy-third year.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 191
male and female, joined to mangling our list, and
other untoward appearances, it was determined that
I should this morning wait upon the Duke of
Devonshire, to acquaint him that our situation was
now grown so very delicate and so very unpromising,
that I no longer found myself at liberty to proceed
a step further ; that I had only been commis-
sioned by you to deliver a message to his Grace,
which I thought would have proved very acceptable
to the King ; but that my expectations having been
entirely frustrated in that particular, every thing
since taking a more ungracious aspect, I now found
myself under the necessity of entreating his Grace
to apply directly to you, in whose hands the treaty
still was, with whom it had been begun, and by
whom it ought to be concluded.
Lord Bute went with me, and followed this up
by expressions so transcendantly obliging to us, and
so decisive of the determined purposes of Leicester
House towards us in the present or any future day,
that your own lively imagination cannot suggest to
you a wish beyond them. Legge was there like-
wise, and we three were unanimous. The Duke
of Devonshire seemed to feel and admit the force
of all we said ; hoped, however, that he should be
able to improve for us our court situation, and
begged that we would not refuse ourselves to go-
vernment at this conjuncture. He then drew out
the list he will show you, which he declared to be
all he could flatter himself to be able to carry with
the King. I read him your letter, and, after making
192 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
many animadversions upon it, I told him I could
not, in any particular, take upon me to relax in
any of your demands, which I thought so reasonable,
&c. He pressed much the necessity of coming to
some resolution ; the Duke of Newcastle intend-
ing to resign this day. I told him he must look
upon that list only as his own, and that the whole
and every part must be referred to you, &c, as
before. The great difficulty of the cofferer sub-
sisting, Lord Bute took upon himself to go to Mr.
Charles Townshend, who was gone to Sudbroke, it
seems : not finding him, he then proceeded to
George's, and enforced with him, in the strongest
manner, every argument for his brother's acceptance
of treasurer of the chamber, which is, in every
respect, exactly equal to the cofferer. At last, the
Prince of Wales's name was used, and with such
effect, that George Townshend is determined to
push it with his brother to the uttermost, not to
break such a public measure upon so slight and un-
justifiable a foundation, &c. Charles's answer is not
yet come.
In this paper of the Duke's Potter stands des-
tined to half the pay-office, which all our friends
here seem to think and fear will give offence, as
being too high a step — Sir Richard Lyttelton to
the jewel-office ; which he consents to accept,
though with reluctance, unless the privy-council
be added to it : in which case, he will be most
thoroughly pleased ; without it he will be pleased
too, if his friends wish him to accept it. Jack
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 193
Pitt remains fixed for the admiralty, and Lord
Pulteney cannot be carried. However, the in-
closed paper delivers us happily from all difficulty
on that head, and he is most obligingly devoted
to us.
The Duke of Devonshire, I believe, has been
pretty direct to the King, and I dare say means us
very fairly : at the same time, Lord Hillsborough
is upon the list for a peerage — Lord Bateman and
Dick Edgcumbe for the two staves, and Sloper (*),
a Fox man, intended for the board of trade. This,
with intelligence received by Lord Bute this even-
ing, that the Fox party soften towards the Duke
of Devonshire, and that the Duke of Bedford
cools, — all which is confirmed to us by the Duke
of Devonshire, — shows that his Grace means to
keep terms of a good deal of friendship with that
party, though I dare say he will act most fairly
towards us. At the same time it may occur to
you, perhaps, that Pratt becomes only so much
the more necessary to us.
Lord Bute, in his last words to me, desired me
to inform you, that upon the whole he found him-
self under a total inability how to advise you in
the present emergency : he could only say, that he
desired to leave the whole determination of this
matter to your own decision, resolved only to ap-
prove and support to the utmost whatever shall be
the result of your judgment. This is also the
exact situation of the rest of your friends j all
(') William Sloper, Esq., member for Great Bechvin.
VOL. I. O
194 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
desiring to appeal to you for decision, though,
under the present list, they desire me to say they
are all satisfied with their personal situations. I
know no difficulty then remaining, but the state
of the court and of the country : the state of the
latter we know but too well — the state of the former
not at all.
My servant waits till the Duke's departure (who
is coming to you with Legge) for your answer, in
Lady Hester's hand, which may be as long or con-
cise as you please : let it be whatever it will, add
only that you recover very fast, and you will make
us all most happy — most particularly so,
Your most affectionate brother, &c.
Temple. (!)
P. S. I understand the Duke intends to push for
a lieutenant-colonel's commission for Sir Henry
Erskine, or something satisfactory.
(•) The Duke of Newcastle's resignation, on the 11th of
November, was followed, on the 19th, by that of the chancellor.
The great seal was given in commission to lord chief justice
Willes, Judge Wilmot, and Baron Smyth. Mr. Pitt was ap-
pointed secretary of state; the Duke of Newcastle was succeeded
at the treasury by the Duke of Devonshire ; and Lord Anson
at the admiralty, by Earl Temple. Mr. Legge became chan-
cellor of the exchequer, in the room of Sir George Lyttelton, who
was elevated to the peerage ; and George Grenville was made
treasurer of the navy in the place of Bubb Dodington. With
the exception of a few other changes which took place in the
boards of treasury and admiralty, no material alterations oc-
curred in the remaining offices of administration.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM, 195
[Enclosed in the preceding letter.]
Lord Pulteney expressed himself in the kindest
and most obliging terms, with regard to the part
that we all bore in the intended system ; declared
his wishes and hopes for its entire success ; that
from the great and good opinion he had of those
engaged in it, he was sure there would be nothing
that he should have any difficulty to forward to
the utmost of his power, and give the most cordial
support to ; that he looked upon himself as em-
barked in the same vessel, and if his giving his
support and assistance to it in office was necessary
to its stability, he would certainly take his part
in it, as he himself had used his utmost endeavours
to persuade Mr. Charles Townshend to do, whose
being in office was of importance ; but as he doubted
of the foundations upon which this transaction was
built and depended, from the state of the court, he
wished rather not to take his part in it in any office
at present, though he approved extremely of the
principles that had been laid down with regard to
it, and thought his support to the system out of
office more advantageous than in office, and chose
to make this declaration now (which he did with
the utmost generosity and friendship) before any
office was mentioned to his Lordship, instead of
declining it afterwards.
Nov. 11. 1756.
o y
196 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
THE RIGHT HON. GEORGE GRENVILLE TO MR. PITT-
Upper Brook Street, November 18, 1756.
Past 12 o'clock.
Dear Pitt,
Lord Temple informed me late last night of the
commission which you desired me to execute for
you with Mr. Legge, about writing the circular
letters, and convening the assembly at the cockpit.
I saw him this morning, and had a long conversa-
tion with him upon that subject, in which I stated
to him the great impropriety of such an idea ;
and I must do him the justice to say, that as soon
as ever it was mentioned, which I did in the most
friendly manner and expression, he absolutely de-
clined any thoughts of it, and so fully, that one
would scarce believe he had ever entertained them.
He assured me, in the strongest terms, that his
most earnest wish was to see you take the lead in
that and every other particular ; that he was sensi-
ble how great an impropriety it would be for you
to write the Speech, (which we both highly ap-
proved of,) and for him to convene and open it at
the cockpit ; that for you to convene and open it at
the cockpit, and him towrite the circular letters
to every body to attend it, would be still more
absurd, and not fit to be done, either for your sake
or his own ; that for his part he was clearly of
opinion you should do the whole yourself; that he
would most certainly attend you there, and beg all
his friends to do so too. We both agreed that it
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 197
would be of great consequence, and highly desirable
to have the meeting as numerous as it could be ;
and therefore, that as little time as might be should
be lost in giving the usual and proper notices.
There are two sorts of summons upon this occa-
sion. The first is, by letters writ into the country,
to desire gentlemen to come up. These have al-
ways been writ by the secretary of the treasury, and
signed by the person that opens the assembly at
the cockpit. The second are the common circular
letters writ and signed by the secretary of the
treasury, and sent about London, the day before
the meeting at the cockpit is appointed. As the
Parliament is so near, no time should be lost in
hastening the first ; and as they have always been
signed by the minister of the House of Commons
himself, it might occasion constructions, which, in
the present state, may have an ill effect, if they
should be signed by the secretary of the treasury.
Many might wonder at the change, many be offen-
ded ; if, therefore, you are well enough (as I hope
you are) in other respects, and the lameness is not
in that hand, it would be to be wished you should
sign them, or as many as you can. For this pur-
pose, Mr. Legge promised me to order them to be
writ out, and if you approve of it, they shall be
sent by a messenger to you, that as many of them
as can may be sent by the post on Saturday. As
to the second sort of these circular letters, they
have always been writ and signed by the secretary
of the treasury ; so that in them there is no cliffi-
o 3
198 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
culty whatever. I suppose you must be in your
office, before you can open the assembly at the
cockpit, and we all flatter ourselves you will be
able to be so, by that time.
I find Mr. Legge's opinion is, to trust the Speech
and the address to the first day of the session and
not to adjourn the report of the former; for though
many of us will be out of parliament, yet Mr. Potter
and the two Mr. Townshends will both be there, the
first day of the session, and there is no prospect,
he believes, of any opposition to it; and the
sending the Speech abroad for ten days may be
liable to some inconveniences. Mr. George Towns-
hend and Lord Pulteney are disposed to move and
second it, I believe, if you approve of it ; but that
you will have time to consider of. I am obliged
to kiss hands to morrow, not having been able to
do it to-day for the chapter of the garter ; other-
wise I should have endeavoured to have brought
you this account myself, instead of sending it.
I hope Lady Hester and yours are perfectly well.
I need not say how much we wish to receive a
good account of you, and how impatient we are
to see you here, when every hour produces a
fresh difficulty and distress, and yet we cannot
wish it a moment before you are sufficiently re-
covered. Adieu, dear Pitt.
Yours most affectionately,
G. Grenville. (!)
(!) The two Houses met on the 2d of December. " Our
first day of parliament," writes Horace Walpole to Sir Horace
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 199
THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX TO MR. PITT.
November 28, 1756.
Sir,
Upon reading over Lord Tyrawly's private letters,
I think you should see the whole, not only extracts
of them. The letter to lord Barrington, referred
to in his Lordship's of September 20th, is long and
particular. It is in the war office, and I suppose
you will desire to see it. I received Lord Tyraw-
ly's three last letters since I resigned the seals,
and in answer wrote his Lordship word what ill
success my solicitations had met with ; that I would
acquaint you with his earnest desire to come home,
and his reasons for it, and wished you might suc-
ceed better in those endeavours which I did not
doubt you would use to oblige him.
Mann, on the 8th of December, " passed off harmoniously ; but
in the House of Lords there was an event. A clause of thanks
for having sent for the Hanoverians had crept into the address
of the peers — by Mr. Fox's means, as the world thinks. Lord
Temple came out of a sick bed to oppose it. Next clay there
Avas an alarm of an intention of installing the same clause in
our address. Mr. Pitt went angry to court, protesting that he
would not take the seals, if any such motion passed : it was
sunk. Next day he accepted ; and the day after, Mr. Fox, ex-
tremely disgusted with the Duke of Devonshire for preferences
shown to Mr. Pitt, retired into the country. The parliament is
adjourned for the re-elections ; and Mr. Pitt, who has pleased
in the closet, is again laid up with the gout." — Vol. iii.
p. 166.
o 4>
<200 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
I beg the favour of you to let his Lordship
know that I have lost no time to put this business
into your hands.
I am, with the greatest respect, Sir,
your most obedient
and most humble Servant,
H. Fox.
[Enclosure, No. I.]
LORD TYRAWLY(')TO THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX.
{Private.)
Gibraltar, August, 20 1756.
Dear Sir,
In a letter I had the honour of writing to you
about a month ago, I took the liberty of giving
you my opinion of the present situation of our
affairs in this part of the world ; and I see no
reason as yet, nor do I foresee any, to make me
alter that opinion ; which in substance is, that as
Minorca is of no sort of use to the French, and
(!) Field-marshal the Hon. James O'Hara, second and last
Lord Tyrawly, of that family, and colonel of the Coldstream
regiment of Foot Guards, governor of Portsmouth, &c. He
served in all Queen Anne's wars, and had been sent am-
bassador to the courts of Portugal and Russia. Early in
this year, he had superseded General Fowke in the government
of Gibraltar. He died in 1773, in his eighty-third year. He
was a man of commanding talents, both as a soldier and a
diplomatist, and in both capacities rendered considerable
services to his country.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 201
they do not intend it shall be of any to us, they
will most certainly demolish Fort St. Philips, choke
up the harbour of Mahon, and abandon the island.
Many reasons convince me these things will happen,
and not one occurs to me why they should not.
As to Gibraltar, I take for granted it will be
extremely quiet ; for I do not see that we do our-
selves much good, or any body else any hurt by
our being in possession of it. If any thing can
tempt any body to besiege it, it will be the father-
less and motherless defenceless state it has been
suffered to run into ; all which I have fully repre-
sented at home, where I thought it was most
proper.
I would conclude, from all this, that I hope I
shall not be left in so idle a place as this is, when
things at home are in a more lively state ; and I
should be much obliged to you, if you would bring
it to pass that I might have leave to come home.
The Duke (') assured me when I took leave of
him, that he did not intend I should remain here ;
and as things in this part of the world seem to me
to be brought to the state they will remain in, I
hope to receive orders to return to my staff and
my regiment of Guards. The sooner the better.
I am, dear Sir,
Your most faithful and most
obliged humble Servant,
Tyrawly.
(!) The Duke of Cumberland.
202 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
[Enclosure, No. II.]
LORD TYRAWLY TO THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX.
Gibraltar, August 27, 1756.
Dear Sir,
If you see the letters I write home to the Duke,
which I assure myself you do, that is to say, if his
Royal Highness thinks them worth the reading,
you will find I am not so thoroughly satisfied that
Gibraltar is so formidable a place as the common
cry thinks it ; but that it would want money, time,
and ability in the distribution of both, to make it
so. That Gibraltar is the strongest town in the world,
that one Englishman can beat three Frenchmen,
and that London Bridge is one of the seven
wonders in the world, are the natural prejudices
of an English coffee-house politician. I am doing
some little matters here, that I think add to the
strength of it ; but much more ought to be done
that I cannot take upon myself to work upon
without orders. All these things I explain to the
Duke as well as I can.
I still continue in the opinion that the French
will demolish St. Philips, and choke up the harbour
of Mahon, and be very well satisfied with their
campaign, and think of nothing more this way ; so
that I really grow tolerably weary of Gibraltar,
which is, in all respects, upon the most scandalous
foot that ever town was, that pretends to call itself
une place de guerre ; though so exactly consistent
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 203
with our notions of this sort of things, that I as-
sure myself it will never take any other form.
By a letter I received yesterday from Malaga,
I hear Keene is very much indisposed. I am
afraid it may be true, for I have not heard from
him of some posts past, and our old acquaintance
and friendship makes us very regular correspond-
ents, as well as at present our duty. Now, if
this embassy does not suit some parliamentary
interest, or that it is not to be disposed of so as to
influence the election of Newport Pagnel, Melcomb
Regis, or Haverford-in-the-West, and that poor
Keene should be removed, I should not dislike going
to Madrid, since I am already so far in my way ;
though, upon my word, if I were at home with
the Coldstream, I would not go out again for it.
I am well known to the Queen of Spain, ' who
knows, too, the regard her father and mother had
for me, and that I am esteemed by all her family. (*)
(!) Ferdinand the Sixth of Spain married the Infanta of
Portugal, daughter of John the Fifth. " Lord Tyrawly," says
Horace Walpole, " had a thorough knowledge of the world,
though less of his own country than of others. He had long
been minister in Portugal, where he grew into such favour, that
the late King, to keep him there, would have appointed him his
general. He had a good deal of humour, and occasional good-
breeding ; but not to the prejudice of his natural temper, which
was imperiously blunt, haughty, and contemptuous, with an
undaunted portion of spirit. Accustomed to the despotism of
Portugal, Muscovy, and the army, he had little reverence for
parliaments, and always spoke of them as the French do of the
long-robe. He even affected not to know where the House of
Commons was." — Memoirs of George II., vol. ii. p. 291.
20i CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
This would make my way at Madrid sooner than
John Trot from home would be able to do it -,
besides that, I speak Spanish, a necessary circum-
stance at that Court. However, this is not what
I have in the least set my heart upon ; but only of
the two, I should like it better than Gibraltar ;
where, though there is a great deal to do, I have
no power to do it, nor will that power ever be
given to me or to any body else, though it is the
ruin of the King's service here, that such a power
is not lodged here.
I am, dear Sir,
Very sincerely yours, &c.
Tyrawly.
[Enclosure No. III.]
LORD TYRAWLY TO THE RIGHT HON. HENRY FOX.
Gibraltar, September 20, 1756.
Dear Sir,
As you see all the letters that are stirring that
you will give yourself the trouble of reading,
whether they belong to your office or not, I beg
your patience for the perusal of one of mine to my
Lord Barrington of this date. You will observe
by it, that I look upon Gibraltar as in a manner
dismantled by the last measures taken in respect to
its garrison, and I thought it my duty to lay my
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 205
opinion of this matter before the Duke, who, I am
confident, could have no idea of things here being
in so bad a condition, without such a represent-
ation as my letter contains. This, however, as-
sures me of what I thought before, and I believe
have wrote you, that we were under no apprehen-
sions at home for Gibraltar ; at least I do not
dream of any such thing myself: nevertheless, it
should be supported like une place de guerre,
quandce ne servoit que pour le qu'en diroit on ; at
least as far as our burgher proceedings will admit
of.
This being the case, I must beg your friendship
in getting me leave to go home — the sooner the
better, as there is nothing to do here but what
any body may do just as well as myself. If they
have a mind to go on with the works I have
planned out here the engineer knows what I
had intended, and I am not wanted for that or any
thing else here that I can foresee. Besides, these
new levies of troops, and the motions at home,
make me desire very much to be there ; and I
assure you I take it as no great compliment to be
left here as store-keeper of Gibraltar, when things
carry so busy a face at home. And therefore, dear
Sir, I beg you will make my mind easy, in getting
me the Duke's leave to come home ; and the mo-
ment I receive it, if I am so happy as to obtain it,
I will set out from this place by sea, if there is
any opportunity of doing so, or by the way of
206 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
Madrid and Lisbon, and go home in the packet-
boat.
I beg my compliments at Holland House, and
very heartily wish myself there.
I am, dear Sir, &c.
Tyrawly.
ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ., TO THE EARL OF
HOLDERNESSE.
( Particular. )
Dresden, December 9, 1756.
My Lord,
I have seen M. de Knyphausen (*) twice, and I
shall now give your lordship the heads of our con-
versation. He is a very sensible man, and knows
much of France. If he stays any time here, I shall
see him often, and endeavour to learn from him.
M. de Knyphausen thinks that the French really
have a design to attack Madras ; that they will send
five or six thousand men under the command of
M. Lally, an Irish officer of reputation ; who, it is
said, had formed the plan for this attempt.
He likewise says, that they intend to send more
troops to North America ; that the free companies
of Fischer are destined for this service ; that the
(') " M. de Knyphausen has dined with me ; he is one of the
prettiest fellows I have seen ; he has, with a great deal of life
and fire, les manieres d' un honnete homme, et le ton de la
parfaitement bonne campagnie. He sees all places and all
people, and is ubiquity itself." — Lord Chesterfield.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 207
manner of sending men will be on board of small
ships, carrying a hundred or a hundred and fifty men
each, which can slip out of Rochelle and other
ports, notwithstanding the vigilance of the English
squadron before Brest. He added, that the French
wondered that, while Brest was blockaded by the
English admiral, more cruizers were not sent to
look after the lesser ports, from whence ships go
out daily.
When I hinted that these were vast designs to
be executed in the East and West Indies at the
same time by the French, who were not yet masters
of the sea, he answered, they are so flushed with
the conquest of Port Mahon, and their successes
in North America, that they are capable of under-
taking any thing.
As to an invasion of his Majesty's British
dominions, he does not think that it is really in-
tended. The project of Marshal Belleisle, of
sending 50,000 men, is too vast, and therefore
impracticable. Besides that, the French know
that preparation that has been made in England to
receive them, and that six months and upwards
would be necessary for getting transports, &c,
ready ; of which England would not fail to have
certain and early notice from Dieppe, Havre, and
Dunkirk, where these vessels must assemble. When
I urged, that an attempt of five, or ten thousand
would be more easily conducted, and in some
measure answer the intention of the French, he said,
that formerly (before Prussia was well with England),
the Marshal Belleisle had owned to him, that he
208 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756
never would advise to attack England with a small
number of men ; that such an attempt ought to be
made by France only in case of extremity, as he
looked upon it as most dangerous and desperate ;
but that France had that always in reserve, and he
should never advise the risking of it, but in case of
extreme distress, and when France was reduced to
sacrifice so many men for her own security, with a
view to make a diversion, and throw England into
confusion.^)
M. de Knyphausen reckons the French army at
200,000, besides the militia ; their whole naval
strength for next year about sixty ships of the line,
that is, of fifty guns and upwards, of which there
are now at Brest and Rochfort thirty, at Toulon
fifteen, and in the different ports, upon the stocks,
from twelve to fifteen ships ; and they have taken
a great number of Genoese and Spanish sailors
into their service.
He thinks France has so many resources, that
they will easily find money for the expense of the
war, at least for three or four years. He owns
they have already exhausted les fonds extraor-
dinaires, and that the money they borrow must be
at six per cent. Their manner, he says, is to lay a
new tax, and to farm it out for a term of years ; by
which means the money comes in immediately.
(]) "We hear that France is determined to try a numerous
invasion in several places in England and Ireland, coute qui
coute, and knowing how difficult it is. We are well prepared
and strong ; they have given us time. If it were easy to invade
us, we should not have waited for an attack till the year 1756."
« — Horace Walpole to Sir H. Mann, vol. iii. p. 127.
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 209
It is certain the people pay much more than the
public receives.
The French, he tells me, talk a very high and
resentful language ; that they will use the Prussian
dominions in Westphalia, and his Majesty's German
dominions, in the same manner as Lewis XIV.
did the Palatinate : but I took the liberty to ask
M. Knyphausen, whether the French were most
provoked against his Majesty, or the King of
Prussia ? He fairly owned, that their rage was, at
present, strongest against his Prussian Majesty, as
the last that had offended — that they talked of
having already humbled England.
I have the honour to be, &c. &c.
Andrew Mitchell.
MR. PITT TO SIR BENJAMIN KEENE.(')
(Private?)
Whitehall, December 14, 1756.
Sir,
Although a fit of the gout has confined me at
home, from the day I had the honour to receive the
seals (2), and that consequently I can have no
orders from the King to communicate to your Ex-
cellency, I could not let M. d'Abreu's (3) courier
go without a letter from me to your Excellency.
(!) British ambassador at the court of Madrid. See p. 50.
(2) Mr. Pitt kissed hands on receiving the seals of the se-
cretary of state's office, on the 4th of December.
(3) The Spanish minister at the court of Great Britain.
VOL. I. P
210 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1756.
I am desirous to make use of this earliest oppor-
tunity to assure your Excellency, that though my
ill fortune has not allowed me the honour of much
acquaintance with your person, it has made me
some amends, by not leaving me a stranger to your
great abilities, and knowledge in business ; parti-
cularly in all affairs between us and the court
where you are employed.
Let me desire your Excellency to assure M.
Wall ('), in my name, of the respectful esteem
and high consideration I have for his Excellency's
person and eminent merits, and, at the same time,
to let him know that I trust he will not have
forgot an early Tunbridge acquaintance, who be-
came his humble servant and admirer at his very
first appearance amongst us ; that as to all affairs
between our courts, I trust we are both zealous —
he as a good Spaniard, and I a good Englishman
— to exert our sincere and warm endeavours to
cultivate and carry forward the happy mutual dis-
positions of our Royal masters. I will only add,
that his Excellency is too well acquainted with the
nature of this country and government not to per-
(!) General Richard Wall, a catholic gentleman of Irish
descent. He came to England in 1747, on a secret mission
from Ferdinand VII., and continued as ambassador at the
British court till 1754-, when he was recalled, on the death of
Don Caravalho and Lancaster, to fill the office of minister for
foreign affairs. Horace Walpole says, " it is not to be told
with what regret Wall quitted England, which had become his
country, as much by affection as by extraction : he had really
grown fond of it ; but not at all to the prejudice of doing us
what hurt he could in his public character."
1756. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 211
ceive, with me, that in order to give solidity and
duration to that harmony and friendship (the ties
whereof I hope to see become indissoluble) it is
necessary, not only that the two courts should be
entirely satisfied, but that the two nations also
should be mutually contented with each other.
I have seen M. d'Abreu once, and find that
minister knowing in his business, and agreeable in
his manner of doing it. I expressed to him my
sincere desire to contribute all that depends on
me to cultivate and improve the happy dispo-
sitions between our courts, which I have the satis-
faction to find prevail so strongly, and that nothing
could give me more joy, on my entrance into my
office, than to trace in the papers of it those cor-
dial expressions of friendship in your court, on the
subject of the King's late instructions to our pri-
vateers, and which correspond so entirely to the
sincere and cordial dispositions of the King, which
produced those orders.
As soon as I shall be able to receive the honour
of his Majesty's commands, I propose to write to
your Excellency by the Corunna, returning your
messenger Roworth, as you desire.
I am, &c. &c.
W. Pitt.
P. S. This comes to you in another hand, my
own being still weak. I must rely on your
Excellency's goodness and judgment to say for
me what is proper to the Due d'Alva.
p 2
212 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
SIR BENJAMIN KEENE TO MR. PITT.
(Private.)
Madrid, January 11, 1757-
Sir,
It is with many acknowledgments that I have
received the honour of your private letter of the
14th past, by a messenger who arrived here on the
31st., and, not knowing when M. Wall may re-
despatch him, I will not defer any longer to ex-
press my gratitude for the very obliging manner
in which you have been pleased to communicate
your being honoured with the seals, though you
had not then had an opportunity of being charged
with any commands from his Majesty for my
guidance and discretion — a mark of your con-
diseration for me, that flatters me as it ought.
Can you forgive it, if I have been guilty of a
kind of breach of trust, at the very opening our
correspondence? As I knew of no words that
could so well inform M. Wall, either of your per-
sonal regard for him, or of your sentiments with
respect to our courts, as your own, I gave him the
perusal of your letter, and I have his permission
(with a thousand thanks and compliments) to ac-
quaint you, that we have both of us been so far
seduced by our vanity, as to communicate its
contents to their Catholic Majesties; who testified
their approbation of your maxims, as being so con-
formable to their own professions of continuing in
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 213
and cultivating the friendship between the two
crowns and nations.
But yet I fear, Sir, that I must sometimes be-
speak your patience, if I cannot get through points,
upon which the friendship of the latter so much
depends, with the despatch they require. The
harbouring French privateers in the ports of Spain ;
the delaying to give satisfaction to the pressing
offices I have passed on these subjects, cause me
many an uneasy hour ; though my solicitations are
pushed as far as they will go, considering the de-
licacy of my situation, with regard to matters of a
more public and extensive importance.
I would not willingly pass for a tedious corre-
spondent at any time, much less so at present, when
you have so much occasion for it, and for all the
health I wish you. Give me leave therefore only
to add, that the Duke of Alva received and re-
turns your compliment in the most polite and at-
tentive manner, and I doubt not but M. Wall will
let d'Abreu know how much he is obliged to you
for the honourable mention you have made of him.
I am, with the greatest respect, Sir,
Your most humble
and most obedient servant,
B. Keene.
p 3
214* CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
GILBERT ELLIOT, ESQ.(') TO MR. PITT.
Admiralty, January 13, 1757.
Sir,
The enclosed letter is writ from Frankfort, by
Sir James Stewart, a gentleman of parts and ob-
servation, but who is precluded from returning to
his country, by the share he is supposed to have
had in the last rebellion. You may have heard
him mentioned by Sir Richard Lyttelton. They
met last season at Spa. I have taken the liberty to
send you this letter, not on account of the political
speculation it contains, but because I find in it a
very minute state of the force and resources of the
King of Prussia. Perhaps, too, I may secretly
wish, though I am hardly conscious of it, to bias
you a little in this gentleman's favour, in case his
services on some future day may prove the truth
of those professions he now makes of his loyalty. (2)
I have the honour to be, with the most sincere
regard, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant, &c.
Gilb. Elliot.
(!) Afterwards Sir Gilbert Elliot. He was at this time a
lord of the admiralty. In 1762, he was appointed treasurer of
the chamber ; in 1 767, keeper of the signet for Scotland ; and
in 1770, treasurer of the navy. He died in 1777.
(2) In March 1772, Sir James Stewart received the King's
pardon, and was presented to his Majesty by Lord Barrington.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 215
SIR JAMES STEWART TO JOHN STEWART, ESQ.
[Enclosed in the preceding letter.]
Frankfort-on-the-Main, December 26, 1756.
* Now, as for the
state of affairs in Saxony, here it is, as near as
I can learn. The King of Prussia has an army of
160,000 men to oppose to the Austrians at the open-
ing of the campaign. He has, by exhausting not only
Saxony, but all the neighbourhood, by the different
applications of force and fair play, according as
they could be severally employed, gathered to-
gether, in magazines established every where, suffi-
cient provisions for his army for two years. The
resources he has found in Saxony, added to the
ready money he had before he began this affair,
put his finances in noble order. He is himself
indefatigable, gay, and hearty ; in short, he has
neglected no precaution human prudence could
dictate, to put himself in a posture, fit to bring
about his great designs. He has enlarged the
camp of Pirna, and fortified it better ; he has done
the same by Dresden and Torgau ; his fortresses
in Silesia are in noble order, and well provided
with every thing. By all these precautions, he has
this great advantage over his enemies, that if at
the opening of the campaign he be beat, he has
a strong country to retire into, both in Silesia and
Saxony, with his magazines full every where ; on
p 4
216 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
the contrary, if the Austrians are beat, the whole
kingdom of Bohemia is open, and the second bat-
tle may be fought at the gates of Vienna ; besides,
there are no such provisions made by the Aus-
trians, either for subsistence or in money, as on the
other side.
THE HON. GEORGE TOWNSHEND TO MR. PITT.
Audley Square, January 15, 1757.
Dear Sir,
I had waited upon you yesterday, having seen
and consulted a great number of gentlemen about
the inquiry (!), but I was among the number of
those who were so unfortunate as to hear of your
being ill again. If the assuring you that the many
friends you have bear with no less patience and
resignation than sincere affliction this ill news, will
be any alleviation of what you above all must
suffer by your confinement, you may depend on
this from one, that we will put off till the last mo-
ment the great national business that lies at our
door sooner than proceed in it without your ad-
vice, however interesting and critical the ex *
pectation and demands of the public renders it
with respect to us all. As soon as your health
will permit you to see me I beg to hear from you,
having something very material to communicate to
(!) The inquiry into the causes of the loss of Minorca.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 21?
you from many very valuable men ; and, in the
interim, that you will believe me to be, with the
most perfect respect and affection,
Dear Sir, your most faithful
and obliged humble servant,
Geo. Townshend.
Saturday evening.
LORD TYRAWLY TO MR. PITT.
(Private.)
Gibraltar, February 1, 1757.
Sir,
Having answered your letter, that informs me
of your being secretary of state for the southern
province, under which malign influence I am at
present banished, give me leave very sincerely to
wish you joy of it, si tant y a que there is any joy in
it. As you have succeeded Mr. Fox in his em-
ployment, I must observe to you, that there is a
duty incumbent upon you that you cannot, in com-
mon decency, avoid performing with the greatest
exactness, viz, to be as much my friend as he
was — never to omit an opportunity of serving me,
when in your power, and even to seek occasions of
doing it.
I beg leave to desire you to try your hand, par
coup d'essai, and to assure you, that you cannot
give me a more essential mark of your friendship,
than to get me out of this place. I left England
218 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
in five days after I was appointed to this command,
leaving my private affairs in a state of great con-
fusion, growing worse every day, and such as must
end in ruin to me, unless I am permitted to go
home to look after them.
I will not trouble you with a long account of what
I have done here. Let it suffice, that I have recti-
fied all that was or will be in my power to mend
here, either as to additional works ('), where I
thought them necessary to the strength of the
place, or by such regulations as I was at liberty to
(!) "While at Gibraltar, Lord Tyrawly ordered great ad-
ditions to the works, with no more economy than governors are
apt to do, who think themselves above being responsible.
Lord George Sackville caught at this dissipation, and privately
instigated Sir John Philips to censure the expence. To their
great surprise, Lord Tyrawly demanded to be heard at the
bar of the House in his own defence. A day was named. He
drew up a memorial, which he proposed to read to the House.
It attacked Lord George roundly on having avoided all foreign
command. Thus alarmed, Lord George got the day of hear-
ing adjourned for near a fortnight, and having underhand pro-
cured the report of Skinner, who surveyed the works at
Gibraltar, to be brought before the House, without mentioning
what it was, Mr. Fox laid open the unhandsome darkness of
this conduct, and Lord Tyrawly himself appeared at the bar,
and made good by his behaviour all that had been taken for
vapour before he appeared there ; for, leaning on the bar, he
browbeat Skinner, his censor, who stood on his left hand, with
such arrogant humour, that the very lawyers thought them-
selves outdone in their own style of worrying a culprit. He
read his memorial, which was well drawn, with great art and
frankness, and assumed more merit to himself than he had been
charged with blame. Such tough game tempted few hunters ;
Lord George was glad to wave the sport ; and the House dis-
missed the affair." — Walpoles George II, vol. ii. p. 293.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 219
make. If I am kept here till doomsday I can do
no more ; nor do I see how the King's affairs will
be advanced by the ruin of mine. I take it to be
matter of great indifference to our neighbours, by
sea or land, whether we are at Gibraltar, or settled
upon the Eddystone, in respect of the use this
place is of to us, or hurt to them, since we have
made public proclamation to all Europe of the first,
by sending for Sir Edward Hawke's squadron home
to clean, because we could not do it here. The
French, who have Toulon, do not want Minorca,
otherwise than to deprive us of it ; therefore, I
persuade myself, that they will, at their own time,
demolish St. Philip's, choke up the harbour of Ma-
hon, and abandon the island, leaving it as useless
to us as it is to them. Their not having repaired
the works since the siege, confirms me in this
opinion, as well as their rough treatment of the
inhabitants and clergy ; and the oppressions they
suffer their troops garrisoned there to exercise
towards the people in general, would be very
absurd and impolitic, if they proposed to keep the
island.
But I am spinning out a long letter that will be
of no use to you. I wish I could be of any my-
self; but if you will be so to me, in getting me
out of this place, I shall be extremely obliged to
you. (*) I am, Sir, with the greatest regard,
Your most obedient, &c.
Tyrawly.
(l) On the 16th of April, Lord Tyrawly was relieved from
220 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
MRS. OSBORN(') TO MR PITT.
Charles Street, Berkeley Square, Feb. 17, 1757.
Pardon, I beseech you, Sir, the importunity of
a sister, who now is reduced to the hard necessity
of begging the life of an unhappy brother, and
hopes this wretched situation will plead for her
with you, whose humanity and generosity, she
flatters herself, will prevail on you to intercede in
behalf of a victim to popular clamour, with the
King, whose long reign has been an uninterrupted
scene of mercy.
The earnest and unanimous recommendation of
the many judges who passed sentence on him,
cannot but have made an impression on the heart
of the King ; who has, in every instance, bestowed
life on such as have been recommended as objects
of his mercy by one.
This, supported by your intercession, will very
probably prevail on the King to indulge himself in
that favourite inclination to save a life, which will be
the governorship of Gibraltar, and the Earl of Home appointed
in his room. In the following December, he presided at the
court-martial appointed to inquire into the miscarriages at
Rochfort.
(!) Sarah, only daughter of George Byng, Viscount Tor-
rington, and sister of Admiral Byng. She was married to
John, the eldest son of Sir John Osborn, of Chicksand Priory,
in the county of Bedford.
1757- THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 221
spent in blessing him as the giver of it, and you as
the means of obtaining it.
I am, Sir, your most distressed,
obedient humble servant,
S. OSBORN.(')
MR. PITT TO MR. THOMAS CUMMING. (2)
Whitehall, February 9, 1757-
GOOD AND WORTHY FRIEND,
I write this letter to you merely to repeat to
you upon paper, what I have often said with great
sincerity to you in conversation, namely, that I
have so good an opinion of your integrity, and
think the service you are going upon to Africa so
(') " In the debate in the House of Commons on the 23rd
of February on Byng's sentence, Mr; Pitt, with true spirit,
avowed himself on the side of mercy. He wished it might be
extended to the prisoner, and owned he thought more good
would come from mercy than rigour. The next day, he moved
the King for mercy, but was cut very short ; nor did his
Majesty remember to ask his usual question, ' whether there
were any favourable circumstances?'" — Walpoles George II,
vol. ii. p. 152.
(2) The design of attacking the French settlements on the
river Senegal was first suggested by Mr. Thomas Cumming, a
quaker, in the year 1756. Mr. Pitt, perceiving the beneficial
consequences which would attend the execution of his pro-
position, gave him every encouragement in his power. His
first administration was too short to enable him to carry it into
execution ; but in May, 1758, Fort Louis and Senegal were
taken.
CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
likely to prove beneficial to the public, that, in case
success attends your endeavours, I promise you
my best assistance in obtaining an exclusive charter
in your favour for a limited term of years, with
regard to that vein of trade which your industry
and risk shall have opened to your country.
Averse, as I always shall be to exclusive charters
in general, I think your case a just exception ; so,
wishing cordially the favour of Providence on your
undertaking, I remain, with much esteem,
Your sincere and faithful friend,
W. Pitt.
THE HON. GEORGE TOWNSHEND TO MR. PITT.
Audley Square, February 14, 1757.
Dear Sir,
I must beg leave to inform you that the mi-
litia (*) comes on in the committee to-morrow.
Perhaps you may not have heard that it is to be
attacked, and under a pretence of substituting
another plan they have not prepared and never
mean, they hope once more to evade the establish-
(l) Mr. George Townshend's famous militia bill. After
mature deliberation and divers alterations, it passed the
Commons ; but in the Lords it underwent several amendments,
one of which was the reduction of the number of militia-men to
one half of what the Commons proposed. The amendments
met with some opposition, and several conferences ensued ; but
at length the two Houses agreed to every article, and the bill
received the royal assent.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 223
ment of this their much dreaded constitutional
force.
We hope, no less on account of your health than
for our own sakes, that you will rind yourself in a
state to support this essential and indeed almost
only remaining effort in defence of our liberties and
ability as a nation. How far your assistance and
force upon this or any other occasion in parliament
is of weight, it would look like flattery in me, how-
ever signal it is, to attempt to give a just description
of, and I shall only conclude with assuring you of
my best wishes and respects on all occasions, and
am, Sir, with the greatest regard,
Your most obedient servant,
Geo. Townshend.
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
Saturday, March 2, 1757-
My dearest Friend,
I cannot think of interrupting your airing this
fine day ; yet must pour out my heart in the sin-
cerest congratulations upon the success of your
great and most able conduct yesterday. (!) I have
for some time past seen many gloomy and de-
(') In the House of Commons, on the debate upon the King's
message for granting 200,000/. for an army of observation, and
enabling his Majesty to fulfil his engagements with the King of
Prussia.
224 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
spon ding worthy men ; with these I have ever in-
sisted, that measures once taken, maturely weighed,
and thought the best, the safest, and most generous,
were to be pursued, let the inconstant gale of
popular favour blow which way it will. I know how
much we think alike ; and you have acted on this,
as on all other occasions, the part of Horace's
"firmum et tenacem propositi virum." You
feel the inward satisfaction arising from it, and
have met with the most deserved applause ; but
had opinions (through suspicion, envy, or the arts
of party) taken another turn, I am certain the firm
support and countenance of him who is some day
to reap the fruits of my friend's unwearied en-
deavours for the public safety, would make him
perfectly easy under the frowns of prejudiced,
deluded, fluctuating men.
Go on, my dear Pitt: make every bad subject
your declared enemy, every honest man your real
friend. I, for my part, must desire ever to share
with you in both ; who am unalterably,
Your most affectionate friend,
and devoted servant,
Bute.
ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Dresden, March 12, 1757.
Sir,
Since my return from Brunswick, the King of
Prussia told me he had had such accounts of your
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 225
behaviour in the House of Commons, that he
thought himself much obliged to you, and he de-
sired me to acquaint you with it, and in his name
to return you thanks for the excellent speech you
made on the 18th of February ('); which I do most
sincerely, and with the greatest pleasure. I have
the satisfaction at the same time to inform you,
that the King of Prussia has the greatest confidence
in his Majesty, and in his ministers, and he considers
the late resolutions of parliament as the strongest
assurances that can be given of the favourable and
friendly disposition of the Britisli nation towards
him. Nor can it be doubted that his Prussian
Majesty's actions will confirm every declaration
that he has made, and entitle him more and more
to the King's friendship and confidence, and to the
affections of a free and generous people.
Allow me, Sir, as a private man, and an old
friend, most sincerely to congratulate you in the
high office, to which his Majesty has been pleased
to call you ; which, as I know you will fill with
ability, dignity, and probity, I heartily wish you
may long enjoy. I have the honour to be, with
the greatest respect, Sir,
Your most obedient,
and most humble servant,
Andrew Mitchell.
(') In defence of the treaty with the King of Px-ussia.
VOL. I. Q,
0<?6 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757
MR. PITT TO ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ.
(Private.) Whitehall, March 31, 1757.
Sir,
The favour of your letter from Dresden, of the
12th instant, is everyway too interesting to remain
one moment unacknowledged. The infinite con-
descension and gracious goodness of his Prussian
Majesty towards me, I feel as I ought, and con-
sequently can express but very inadequately the
most grateful sentiments of veneration and zeal for
a prince, who stands the unshaken bulwark of
Europe, against the most powerful and malignant
confederacy, that ever yet has threatened the in-
dependence of mankind. I need not add, that I
should be most unworthy of the honour of serving
the best of sovereigns, if my zeal for the prosperity
and glory of so firm and magnanimous an ally, did
not endeavour to keep some pace with the sen-
timents of his Majesty's own royal breast. I will
trust to your friendship to employ the properest
and most expressive terms to lay at the King of
Prussia's feet my real sentiments of attachment and
admiration.
I may now come to a very pleasing and valuable
part of your letter, where, in most obliging ex-
pressions, you mention old acquaintance and
friendship. I shall have a particular pleasure in
cultivating the honour of your kind remembrance.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. ^7
and desire you will remain assured, that no one is
with more truth and regard than myself, dear Sir,
Your most obedient,
and most humble servant,
W.PlTT.(')
THE EARL OF HARDWICKE TO MR. PITT.
Wednesday, May 25, 1757.
Sir,
I have seen the Duke of Newcastle this morn-
ing, who is extremely willing and desirous to have
a conference with you, and thinks it may be most
useful to have a meeting first with yourself, before
(!) In one week after the date of this letter, Mr. Pitt was
dismissed from office ; the Duke of Cumberland, who had been
appointed to the command of the army of observation in Ger-
many, being unwilling to act in concert with him. " It was
now," says Lord Waldegrave, " the end of March, and it being
resolved that a decisive step should be taken before the Duke
left England, an offer was made to the Earl of Winchelsea of his
being appointed first commissioner of the admiralty ; which
was accepted by him with most unfashionable readiness, and
Earl Temple was acquainted that his services were no longer
necessary. It was imagined that on this occasion Pitt would
have immediately resigned ; but he did not choose to save his
enemies any trouble, and attended his duty at court with unusual
assiduity, till, on the 6th of April, he was turned out. This
was followed by Legge's resigning the chancellorship of the
exchequer, and some other resignations." — Memoirs, p. 106.
That, however, which was intended as a disgrace to Mr. Pitt
and Mr. Legge, only served to show more fully the extent of
their popularity. The whole nation rose as one man in their
vindication ; and they l'eceived addresses of thanks, with the
Q 2
228 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757-
that which he will also be proud of having with
my Lord Bute. He therefore proposes that his
Grace and you should meet this evening at Lord
Royston's in St. James's Square, where I may at-
tend you. The family is out of town, and that
place will be better than any of our houses, and
you (if you approve it) may come so far in your
chair without hazard. I should think between
eight and nine o'clock would be a proper time, unless
you have any objection to it, and then any other
hour you shall name.
I beg you will send me notice at Powis House,
as soon as you can I sincerely hope that you do
not find any inconvenience from the late hour,
which I was the occasion of your keeping last
night, and am, with the greatest respect, Sir,
Your most obedient, and
most humble servant,
Hardwicke. (')
freedom of most of the principal corporations, in gold and other
boxes of curious workmanship.
(') "The primate of Ireland staid in England to negotiate
between Newcastle and Pitt. Lord George Sackville laboured
in the same cause ; and about the second week in May, an in-
terview was brought about between Pitt and Lord Hardwicke,
— as the latter said, by chance. Pitt insisted that Newcastle
should not interfere in the House of Commons, nor with the
province of secretary of state ; that is, with neither domestic nor
foreign affairs, but should coufine himself to the treasury. In a
week the treaty was broken off.'' — Walpoles George II, vol. ii.
p. 210.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. ^29
THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH() TO MR. PITT.
Pall Mall, May 29, 1757.
Dear Sir,
The Duke of Newcastle has virtually, though
not actually, accepted. (2) Lord George Sack-
(') Dr. George Stone, brother of Mr. Stone, the confidential
friend of the Duke of Newcastle (see p. 34.). In 1731, at the
early age of twenty-eight, he was promoted to the bishoprick
of Ferns ; in 1733 to Kildare ; in 1743 to Derry ; and, in 1747,
he was raised to the primacy of Armagh. He died in 1765.
(2) " On the 27th of May, the Duke went to Kensington,
and promised to be sole minister, permitting Fox to be pay-
master, but with no power. Sir Thomas Robinson was to be
secretary of state, and Sir George Lee chancellor of the ex-
chequer. The Duke was to retire to Claremont for two or
three days. On the 3rd of June, he returned to Kensington,
but still fluctuating, and begged to defer declaring his last
resolution till the Tuesday following The next day was the
birth-day of the Prince of Wales. Pitt had a conference at the
Prince's drawing-room with Newcastle and Lord Bute, who
acted as mediator. Newcastle persisted that the King would
retain Lord Winchelsea ; and to balance the authority that he
saw must fall to Pitt, said to him, 'But you will not act with
Fox? ' — Pitt replied, 'My Lord, I never said so — but does your
Grace say you would ? When you have said you will, I will
consult my friends.' Newcastle, not the most intelligible even
when he was explicit, took care not to be understood sooner
than he was determined ; and the conversation ended abruptly.
However, on the 7th, though not agreed with Pitt, he went to
Kensington, and declared to the King that he would not come
in, unless Mr. Pitt's whole plan was accepted. The King re-
proached him bitterly with all his shifts and evasions ; and
demanded his assistance for Fox, if he would not himself un-
dertake the service. He waved any such promise, and the
King dismissed him in wrath." — Walpole's Geo. II, vol. ii.
p. 218.
Q 3
£30 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757-
ville will relate the particulars of what passed in
the interview yesterday to my Lord Bute ; but
cannot do the same to you, as he is engaged to
dine in the country to-day at Mr. Walpole's, and
will be obliged to go thither before the hour
that you are expected in town ; but you will be
sure to see Lord Bute, and hear from him all that I
could inform you of.
His Grace goes toClaremontfor a week ; during
which time nothing will be done. As my staying
here cannot possibly be of the smallest use, I am
just stepping into my chaise to begin my journey to
Ireland, but cannot omit to leave behind me this
very sincere assurance of my being, with the high-
est esteem and truth,
Dear Sir,
Your most faithful and
affectionate servant,
George Armagh.
Saturday morning, 6 o'clock.
THE EARL OF HARDWICKE TO MR. PITT.
Powis House, June 16, 1757.
Sir,
I am to desire, in the Duke of Newcastle's name,
as well as my own, that we may have the honour
of meeting you and my Lord Bute at your house
this evening a little before nine. I have, in like
manner, sent notice to Lord Bute. I found the
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 231
Duke of Newcastle pleased, in the highest degree,
with your visit and conversation this forenoon. I
am, with the greatest respect, Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant,
Hardwicke. (')
(') "In his distress, the King sent for Lord Waldegrave,
and commanded him to accept the high and dangerous post of
first lord of the treasury. The public was not more astonished
at that designation, than the Earl himself. He declined as long
as modesty became him ; but engaged with spirit, the moment he
felt the abandoned state in which his master and benefactor
stood." — Walpoles Geo. II, vol. ii. p. 220.
"On the morning of the 11th of June, lord chief justice
Mansfield was ordered to be at Kensington. The reason as-
signed was that he should deliver back the exchequer seals,
which had been in his possession from the time of Legge's
resignation ; but the real business was of a different nature.
The King discoursed with him a considerable time in the most
confidential manner, and the conversation ended by giving Lord
Mansfield full powers to negotiate with Pitt and the Duke of
Newcastle ; his Majesty only insisting, that Lord Temple should
have no employment which required frequent attendance in the
closet, and that Fox should be appointed pay-master ; which
last demand did not proceed from any present partiality, but
was the fulfilling of a former engagement. Before the final
resolution was taken, his Majesty thought proper to ask my
advice. I told him I was clear in my opinion, that our ad-
ministration would be routed at the opening of the session ; for
that the Duke of Newcastle had a considerable majority in the
House of Commons, whilst the popular cry without doors was
violent in favour of Mr. Pitt." — Waldegrave s Memoirs, p. 128.
On the 15th of June, the King wrote a note to Lord Hard-
wicke, desiring him, that he would hasten an administration
that would not be changed again in five months.
Q 4
23c2 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
THE EARL OF HARDWICKE TO MR. PITT.
Powis House, June 22, 1757.
half-past eleven.
Sir,
Since I had the honour of seeing you last, I
have talked, by way of sounding, in the best
manner I could, to all the three persons who can
now come under consideration in the disposition of
the great seal. I think I see clearly the way of
thinking and inclination of them all, which differs
very little from the conjectures which we had
formed concerning them. It is now so late, that
if I should have any chance of rinding you at
home, I should only put you in danger of being out
of time for the levee. Considering that this will
be no day of business, I take it for granted that it
will be the same thing, if I give you the detailed
account at night ; for the Duke of Newcastle tells
me, we must have a meeting this evening, where
I will be at your service. In the mean time, as
my pleureurs keep me from court, I will go and
dine with my son at Richmond, and not fail to be
back time enough for any hour you will meet at.
Indeed, I am very desirous that we should meet
this evening, for precious moments are lost ; and
not innocently wasted, but to the detriment of
that great and useful system, which we are labour-
ing to establish.
I am most sincere and zealous in my endeavours
to bring about what you so much wish for a pre-
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 233
sent arrangement of the great seal ; but I see vast
difficulties attending it. I am, with the greatest
respect, Sir,
Your most obedient,
and most humble servant,
Hakdwicke.
THE EARL OF HARDWICKE TO MR. PITT.
Powis House, June 25, 1757.
Saturday night.
Dear Sir,
However improper for a private man, yet rna-
joris fugiens opprobria culpce, I did, in compliance
with your commands, and those of our other friends
who met on Thursday night, attend the King to-
day, in order to know if he had any orders for me
relating to the disposition of the great seal. I
found his Majesty very grave and thoughtful on
the news which came last night Q, but calm. He
soon entered into matter ; and it is unnecessary, as
well as hardly possible, to give you the detail of
my audience in writing. His Majesty expressed
his desire to settle his administration on the plan
fixed, but thought there was no necessity of mak-
ing a hasty disposition of so important an office as
the great seal an immediate part of it. However,
the result was that he absolutely refused to give a
(') The defeat of the King of Prussia, at Kolin, by the
, Austrians, commanded by Count Daun, on the 17th of June.
234- CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757>
peerage with it ; which I think puts my lord chief
justice Willes out of the case; for his lordship not
only told me before, but has since repeated, that
peerage is with him a condition sine qua non. I
see the King inclines more to Mr. Attorney Ge-
neral ; and when I stated to his Majesty, what I
collected or conjectured to be his views, he heark-
ened, and at last bade me talk to Sir Robert
Henley, reduce his terms as low as I could, and
bring them to him in writing on Monday.
Since 1 saw my lord chief justice Willes, I have
seen Sir Robert Henley, who talks very reason-
ably and honourably. His proposals are: — first,
a reversionary grant of the office of one of the
tellers of the exchequer to his son for life ; second,
a pension of 1500/. per annum on the Irish esta-
blishment to Sir Robert Henley himself for life, to
commence and become payable upon his being
removed from the office of lord keeper, and not
before ; but to be determinable and absolutely void,
upon the office of teller coming into possession to
his son. (') My present opinion is, that the King
may be induced to agree to this on Monday ; for
when I hinted, in my discourse, at a pension upon
(!) " The seals had been offered to Murray, and to the
master of the rolls, who refused them, and to Willes, who pro-
posed to be bribed by a peerage to be at the head of his pro-
fession ; but could not obtain it. Henley, however, who saw it
was the mode of the times to be paid by one favour for receiving
another, demanded a tellership of the exchecpier for his son ;
which was granted, with a pension of 1500/. a year till it should
drop." — Walpole, vol. ii. p. 226.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 235
Ireland, though his Majesty treated it pretty se-
verely at first, yet, when I stated the several con-
tingencies in which it might, in this case, never
become any real charge upon the revenue, he said,
of himself, that made the case different.
I found to-night, by my lord chief justice Willes,
that he is to go to Kensington on Monday, to get
some warrants signed ; and thinks that either the King
may speak to him, or that he may say something
to his Majesty on this subject, but I am persuaded
that will have no effect, unless he gives up the
peerage, which I am of opinion he never will.
If the affair of the great seal should be settled
on Monday, in the person of Sir Robert Henley,
as I conjecture it will, I see nothing that can
obstruct your beginning to kiss hands on Tuesday.
For God's sake, Sir, accelerate that, and don't let
any minutiae stand in the way of so great and ne-
cessary a work. I long to see this scheme ex-
ecuted for the King's honour and repose, the
harmony of his royal family, and the stability of
his government. I have laboured in it zealously
and disinterestedly ; though without any pretence to
such a degree of merit as your politeness and par-
tiality ascribes to me. I see with you, that at-
tempts are flying about to tarnish it ; but, if it is
forthwith executed on this foot, those will all be
dissipated in the region of vanity, and instead of
a mutilated, enfeebled, half-fonned system, I am
persuaded it will come out a complete, strong, and
well-cemented one, to which your wisdom, temper,
236 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
and perfect union with the Duke of Newcastle will
give durableness. In all events, I shall ever re-
tain the most lively impressions of your great
candour and obliging behaviour towards me, and
continue to be with the utmost respect, Dear Sir,
Your most obedient, and
most humble servant,
Hardwicke.^)
(!) " At last, after an interval of eleven weeks, the ministry-
was settled, and kissed hands on the 29th. The Dnke of New-
castle returned to the treasury, with Legge for his chancellor
of the exchequer. Pitt and Lord Holdernesse were secretaries
of state. Lord Temple had the privy seal in the room of
Lord Gower, who was made master of the horse. Fox accepted
the pay-office, professing great content, and that he should
offend neither in thought, word, nor deed ; and Lord Anson was
restored to the admiralty." — Walpole, vol. ii. p. 224.
" On the day they were all to kiss hands, I went to Ken-
sington, to entertain myself with the innocent, or perhaps ill-
natured, amusement of examining the different countenances.
The behaviour of Pitt, and his party was decent and sensible ;
they had neither the insolence of men who had gained a victory,
nor were they awkward and disconcerted, like those who come
to a place where they know they are not wanted." — Walde-
grave, p. 138.
From this period commenced the brilliant era, justly called
Mr. Pitt's Administration ; in which he became the soul of
the British counsels, conciliated the goodwill of the King,
infused a new spirit into the nation, and curbed the united
efforts of the house of Bourbon. The following picture of the
state of affairs at this moment is contained in a letter from the
Earl of Chesterfield to Mr. Dayrolles : — " Whoever is in, or
whoever is out, I am sure we are undone, both at home and
abroad : at home, by our increasing debt and expences ; abroad,
by our ill-luck and incapacity. The King of Prussia, the only
ally we had in the world, is now, I fear, hors de combat. Hanover
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 237
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Claremont, July 11, 1757.
Dear Sir,
I have read with great attention and satisfaction
my Lord Loudoun's (') letters. He seems to have
acted with great diligence and ability. We have
a noble force there; and if the transports, &c. can
but escape M. de Beaufremont (for which I own I
am in the utmost pain), I think we have the most
flattering prospect of success. I cannot make the
French, by these accounts, to have above thirteen
ships of the line. The expense is great; but as it
is necessary, I do not in the least grudge it. But
we must take the greatest care not to be imposed
upon by agents, contractors, and remitters; and
therefore I must beg that you would order extracts
of these letters, as far as relates to the articles of
expense and the value of the coin, to be sent to
the secretaries of the treasury, that when bills are
drawn, we may know the services for which the
money was expended, and that we may be able to
talk to the contractors upon the grievance justly
complained of by my Lord Loudoun, relating to
I look upon to be, by this time, in the same situation with
Saxony ; the fatal consequence of which is but too obvious.
The French are masters to do what they please in America.
We are no longer a nation. I never yet saw so dreadful a
prospect."
('} Commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America.
238 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757-
the fictitious value put upon the specie by what
they call " the plugged gold."
The officers seem all good, and to do their duty ;
and I own I fear nothing, but this squadron of
Beaufremont's. My Lord Loudoun, I find, mentions
an act of parliament to be passed here. I don't
well understand what he means by it. They don't
seem to have given proper attention to that lately
passed for the indentured servants. I hope you are
assured that all the assistance that I can possibly
give you with regard to these affairs you may com-
mand. I hope you have settled your matters with
Sir John Ligonier. (') I was accidentally at court
yesterday, upon the news I heard upon the road
of the death of the Queen of Prussia. (2) I just
saw the King: nothing material passed ; he was in
good humour, and in tolerable spirits. I attend
the lieutenancy to-morrow morning, but shall
come to Kensington afterwards, when I hope to
renew to you the assurances how much
I am, dear Sir,
Most affectionately yours,
Holles Newcastle.
(!) In the following October, Sir John Ligonier, who had
greatly distinguished himself as a soldier under the Duke of Marl-
borough, and afterwards in Germany, was made commander-
in-chief of the land forces in Great Britain, and raised to the
Irish peerage, by the title of Viscount Ligonier of Enniskillen.
In 1763, he was created an English baron ; and in 1766, an
English earl. He died in 1770, at the age of ninety-one.
(2) Sophia Dorothea, daughter of George the First, by the
unfortunate heiress of Zell. She was married in 1706 to
Frederick William, of Brandenburgh, afterwards King of
Prussia, and was the mother of Frederick the Great.
1757.
THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 239
P. S. The Duchess of Newcastle desires her
best compliments. I beg you would order Mr.
Rivers to send me your letters and instructions to
the Earl of Loudoun and Admiral Holbourne, that
I may have the pleasure of seeing them, and know-
ing the orders, the generals and admiral these are
under. I am sure I shall most entirely approve
of them. (')
JOHN WILKES, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Aylesbury, July 14, 1757. (')
Sir,
The day after my election I had the honour of
paying my respects in St James's Square. I was
(') " Shortly after came letters from the Earl of Loudoun,
the commander-in-chief in North America, stating that he
found the French 21,000 strong, and that not having so many,
he could not attack Louisburg, but should return to Halifax.
Admiral Holbourne, one of the sternest condemners of Byng,
wrote at the same time, that he having but seventeen ships, and
the French nineteen, he dared not attack them. Here was
another summer lost ! Pitt expressed himself with great
vehemence against the earl ; and we naturally have too lofty
ideas of our naval strength to suppose that seventeen of our
ships are not a match for any nineteen others." — Walpole's
Geo. II. vol.ii. p. 231.
(2) Mr. Wilkes, who at this time resided at Aylesbury, had
been elected member for that town on the 6th of July, in the
room of Mr. Potter, who was returned for Oakhampton. This
election is said to have cost him upwards of seven thousand
pounds, and to have involved him in pecuniary difficulties. In
the course of the year, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of
the Buckinghamshire militia.
240 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
desirous of so early an opportunity of saying how
greatly I wish to be numbered among those who
have the highest esteem and veneration for Mr.
Pitt. I am very happy now to contribute more
than my warmest wishes for the support of his wise
and excellent measures ; and my ambition will ever
be to have my parliamentary conduct approved by
the ablest minister, as well as the first character, of
the age. I live in the hope of doing my country
some small services at least ; and I am sure the
only certain way of doing any is by a steady support
of your measures.
I beg leave to assure you, that I shall never
depart from these sentiments, and shall always en-
deavour to distinguish myself, with the most entire
zeal and attachment, Sir,
Your most devoted,
humble servant,
John Wilkes.
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
[Friday, August 5, 1757.]
My dearest Friend,
I heartily thank you for giving me this early
notice of this event (!) ; for, terrible as it is, certain
(') The defeat of the Duke of Cumberland by Marshal
D'Etrees at Hastenbech, on the 25th of July ; in consequence
of which, the city of Hanover was taken possession of by the
French.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 241
knowledge is better than uncertain rumours. I do
not know that, in my life, I ever felt myself so
affected with any foreign transaction. Oh, my dear
friend, what dreadful auspices do we begin with !
and yet, thank God, I see you in office. If even
the wreck of this crown can be preserved to our
amiable young Prince, 'tis to your efforts, your
abilities, my dear Pitt, that he must owe it. Let
what will happen, one thing comforts me. I know
you have a soul fit for these rough times, that,
instead of sinking under adversity, will rise and
grow stronger against it. Farewell, my dearest
friend. No event shall ever make me cease to be
one minute,
Most affectionately, most sincerely,
Yours, &c. &c.
Bute.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Lewes, August 13, 1757.
Dear Sir,
I am very sorry to hear that the transports are
not yet out of the river ; the King mentioned it to
me with concern on Wednesday last. (') I heartily
([) One of Mr. Pitt's earliest measures, on coming into office,
was an attempt to make a descent upon the coast of France.
In equipping this large armament, he had two objects in view :
the one, to destroy the enemy's principal arsenals, and burn,
sink; or capture his shipping ; the other, to create a diversion
in favour of the King of Prussia and Duke of Cumberland, by
VOL. I. R
242 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
wish we may not lose the most favourable wind
for our operations that can blow. I am sure I
need not recommend to you expedition. I hear
there are material letters come by express from
Admiral Osborn, and that they relate to opera-
tions in the Mediterranean : surely, that ought to
be encouraged. I know nothing of the particulars
proposed ; but any success there of any kind
would be of infinite service in our present situation.
Could any attempt be made on Corsica ? There
is one Frederick^), whom I don't know, who has
made proposals to Lord Anson and the chancellor
of the exchequer ; and I once talked to him at the
treasury. His scheme, as I remember it, was easy,
though I fear not effectual. It consisted chiefly in
supplying the malcontents in Corsica with arms, &c.
&c, and giving them the protection of our fleet. (a)
compelling the French to withdraw their troops from Hanover,
for the protection of their own coast. Owing to mismanage-
ment in those who had contracted to furnish the transports, the
squadron did not leave Spithead for Rochfort till the 8th of
September, although the measure was decided upon in July.
This delay occasioned Mr. Pitt much uneasiness.
(J) Colonel Frederick, son of Theodore, King of Corsica,
and author of "Memoirs of Corsica." In 1797, this unfor-
tunate gentleman put an end to his existence in the west porch
of Westminster Abbey. He was buried by the side of his
father, in the churchyard of St. Anne's, Soho. King Theodore
died in December 1756, a few days after leaving the King's
Bench prison by virtue of the insolvent act. Horace Walpole
wrote his epitaph, and erected a marble slab to his memory.
(2) " I am told that we are negotiating with the Corsican, I
will not say rebels, but assertors of their natural rights, to
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. £43
I thought it might not be amiss to fling this out to
you, as the directions to be sent to Admiral Osborn
will now come under consideration.
I find a general quiet and satisfaction in this
county as to affairs at home, but great apprehen-
sions and uneasiness from those abroad. The
junction of the King of Prussia with the Prince's
army is a great point : good success from thence
might have a good effect in oil respects, and for
that reason as well as many others, I hope nothing
will be precipitated. I am, with great respect,
dear Sir, your most affectionate,
Humble servant,
Holles Newcastle.
THE HON. GEORGE GRENVILLE TO MR. PITT.
Wotton, August 14, 1757.
Dear Pitt,
I am extremely sensible of the great difficulties
which the present distressful state of affairs must
bring upon those who have the direction of our mea-
sures in this dangerous conjuncture. I therefore
rejoice very sincerely that it has been in your
receive them, and whatever form of government they think fit
to establish, under our protection, upon condition of their de-
livering up to us Port Ajaccio ; which may be made so strong
and so good a one, as to be a full equivalent for the loss of
Port Mahon. This is, in my mind, a very good scheme." —
Lord Chesterfield, September 30, 1757.
R 2
244 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
power to withstand any propositions inconsistent
with the security and satisfaction of the public.
When I first heard that the Duke was obliged to
retreat, and to abandon a great part of the Electo-
rate to the French army, it was easy to foresee that
the subsistence of the army under his command
would bring on an additional expense ; but it cer-
tainly was very much to be wished that that ex-
pense should, if possible, be defrayed for the present
from some other quarter, rather than out of the mil-
lion destined for the services of this year. It is evi-
dent this would have given a great facility, not only
to the demand of this money, when it came to be
made, but also to whatever else should be un-
avoidably necessary to ask upon the same head in
the next session of parliament. These are con-
siderations so obvious and so correspondent to
your sentiments, that it is quite useless to repeat
or enforce them. I take it for granted that
they could not be complied with, and am very
sorry for it.
The situation of the landgrave of Hesse is a
melancholy one indeed, and if he continues in the
same honourable firmness and fidelity to his en-
gagements, well deserves our attention and sup-
port, especially as a daughter of Great Britain (')
(!) Mary, the fourth daughter of George II., was married in
May 1740 to Frederick, Prince of Hesse. In 1754, the Prince
abjured the protestant religion, and turned papist. " He was,"
says Horace Walpole, " obstinate, of no genius, and after long
treating the princess, who was the mildest and gentlest of her
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 245
is a sharer in his misfortunes, whose distresses
must put every body in mind of the unhappy
Queen of Bohemia (l) in the last century, and will
entitle her, in like manner, to the real concern and
affectionate assistance of this country. I am fully
persuaded, even if you had not told me so in your
letter, that you have thoroughly weighed and con-
sidered all the circumstances attending this deli-
cate and important question, and that you would
not have consented to the taking those two sums
of 100,000/. and 20,000/. out of the million, except
from the conviction of an absolute necessity. Your
situation furnishes you with many lights to guide
you in this decision, which are necessary to enable
any man to form a proper judgment upon the
whole. Lord Temple left us before I received
your letter, but I shall go to Stowe for three or
four days next Tuesday, when I shall have an op-
portunity of talking to him upon this subject.
race, with great inhumanity, had for some time lived upon no
terms with her; his father, the landgrave William, protected
her." She died in 1771.
(') Elizabeth, daughter of James I. of England. She was
married in 1613 to Frederick, elector palatine; who, in 1619,
accepted the crown of Bohemia, but being successfully opposed
by Ferdinand of Austria, was put under the ban of the
empire, and dispossessed of his patrimonial dominions. He
died at Mentz in 1632. The Queen, who was a woman of
excellent understanding and most amiable disposition, died in
January 1661-2. " This night," (the 17th) says Evelyn, " was
buried in Westminster Abbey the Queen of Bohemia, after all
her sorrows and afflictions, being come to die in the arms of her
nephew the King." — Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 188.
It O
246 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
We were extremely shocked and concerned at
the unexpected account which we received last post
from Sir Richard Lyttelton and my brother Jemmy,
of the death of poor Admiral West (2), which I
think a very great loss to us all and to the public
likewise, having left few behind him (if any), so
honest, so brave, and so capable, notwithstanding
that his ill-fortune, and the oppression and injustice
done him, followed him to his death. I most sin-
cerely wish some comfort could be given to his
poor wife, whom I have always heard esteemed a
good and sensible woman under the most grievous
and heaviest trials. Her only object must be
her children, whose loss is inexpressible. The
eldest son, young as he is, has some public merit of
his own(2) as well as of his poor father's, to plead
in his favour, and is of an age to be assisted. We
are all perfectly well here. My wife desires to
(!) Admiral West, at the time of his death, was one of the
lords of the admiralty. He was related to the Grenvilles, his
mother being sister to Richard, Lord Cobham. He was brother
to Gilbert West, the poet ; of whom Dr. Johnson relates,
that ct he was often visited by Lyttelton and Pitt, who, when
they were weary of faction and debates, used, at his very
pleasant house at West Wickham in Kent, to find books
and quiet, a decent table and literary conversation : there
is at Wickham a walk made by Pitt, and, what is of far
more importance, at Wickham Lyttelton received that con-
viction, which produced his ' Dissertation on St. Paul.' " —
Life of West.
(2) This youth was severely wounded o ard his father's
ship, the Buckingham, during the engagement off Minorca,
between Admirals Byng and Galissonniere, in May, 1756".
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 247
join with me in our kindest compliments to Lady
Hester and to you, and I am,
Ever most affectionately yours, &c.
George Grenville.
MR. PITT TO SIR BENJAMIN KEENE.(')
( Most secret and confidential. )
Whitehall, August 23, 1757-
Sir,
The most important and confidential matter
which I have the honour of the King's commands
to open in this dispatch to your excellency, and
his Majesty's orders and instructions relating to
the same herewith transmitted, cannot but affect
your excellency with the deepest sense of the great
and particular trust which the King is most gra-
ciously pleased to repose in your known experience
and long approved abilities ; and it is greatly hoped
that the state of your excellency's health will be
found so well restored by the late use of medicinal
waters, as to leave nothing more to desire for the
proper and ablest discharge of a commission of such
high moment, and which peculiarly demands the
utmost circumspection, vigilance, delicacy, and
address.
It is judged the most compendious and sure
method of o~ ^ning and conveying to your excel-
lency with clue clearness and precision, the scope
Q) British ambassador at the court of Madrid.
R 4
248 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
and end of the measure in question, to refer you to
the minute itself, in extenso, unanimously approved
by all his Majesty's servants consulted in his most
secret affairs, and containing the sum and substance,
as well as the grounds, of the King's royal intention
in this violent and dangerous crisis, which minute
is conceived in the following words, viz. —
" Their lordships, having taken into considera-
tion the formidable progress of the arms of France,
and the danger to Great Britain and her allies re-
sulting from a total subversion of the system of
Europe, and more especially from the most per-
nicious extension of the influence of France, by
the fatal admission of French garrisons into Ostend
and Nieuport (')> their lordships are most humbly
of opinion, that nothing can so effectually tend, in
the present unhappy circumstances, to the resto-
ration of Europe in general, and in particular to
the successful prosecution of the present just and
necessary war, until a peace can be made on safe
and honourable terms, as a more intimate union
with the crown of Spain. In this necessary view
their lordships most humbly submit their opinion
to your Majesty's great wisdom — that overtures of
a negociation should be set on foot with that court,
in order to engage Spain, if possible, to join their
arms to those of your Majesty, for the obtaining a
(') A few days prior to the date of this dispatch, intelligence
had reached England, that Ostend and Nieuport had each of
them, by order of her imperial majesty, received a French
garrison.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 249
just and honourable peace, and mainly for recover-
ing and restoring to the crown of England the
most important island of Minorca, with all the ports
and fortresses of the same, as well as for re-estab-
lishing some solid system in Europe ; and inas-
much as it shall be found necessary for the attaining
these great and essential ends, to treat with the
crown of Spain, as an effectual condition thereunto,
concerning an exchange of Gibraltar for the island
of Minorca, with the ports and fortresses thereof,
their lordships are most humbly of an unanimous
opinion, that the court of Spain should without
loss of time be sounded with respect to their dis-
positions thereupon ; and if the same shall be
found favourable, that the said negociation should
be carried forward and ripened for execution, with
all possible dispatch and secrecy. Their lordships
are farther of opinion, that satisfaction should be
given to Spain on the complaints touching the es-
tablishment made by the subjects of England on
the Mosquito shore, and in the bay of Honduras,
since the treaty concluded at Aix la Chapelle, in
October 1748, in order that all establishments so
made be evacuated."
Your excellency being now informed, by the
perusal of the above minute, of the views and con-
sequence of the arduous and critical negociation
committed to your care, it becomes necessary for
your guidance therein, to furnish your excellency,
by the several inclosures herewith transmitted by
order of his Majesty, with such lights, informations,
250 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757-
and intelligences, concerning either the fatal events
already come to pass, or the accumulating of more
desperate mischiefs now meditating, and too pro-
bably impending, as will enable your excellency
to form for yourself, far better than any deduction of
mine can do, the melancholy picture of the present
work.
Though his Majesty is so fully persuaded of
your excellency's distinguished zeal for his service,
that the suggestions of any considerations to animate
you in this great work are entirely superfluous, yet
it is impossible for me to pass in silence that af-
fecting and calamitous part of the subversions of
Europe, namely, the French conquests and deso-
lations in Lower Saxony, which afford the afflicting
vspectacle of his Majesty's ancient patrimonial
dominions, transmitted down with glory in his
most illustrious house through a long series of
centuries, now lying a prey to France ; and still
farther, the fatality of his Majesty's army of ob-
servation, now retiring under the orders of his
Royal Highness (') to Stade, exposed to the most
alarming uncertainties, whether even the royal
magnanimity of his Majesty, seconded by the valour
and ability of his Royal Highness, can find means
to surmount the cruel necessity of receiving the
law of the conqueror.
As it would be needless to lead your excellency
farther on in this gloomy track of mortifying re-
flections, I will only observe, before I pass to the
(') The Duke of Cumberland.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 2,51
execution of the plan now opened, that the day is
come when the very inadequate benefits of the
treaty of Utrecht, the indelible reproach of the last
generation, are become the necessary, but almost
unattainable wish of the present, when the empire
is no more, the ports of the Netherlands betrayed,
the Dutch Barrier treaty an empty sound, Minorca,
and with it, the Mediterranean lost, and America
itself precarious.
From this state of things, calamitous as it is, your
excellency has a fresh proof that nothing can ever
shake his Majesty's firmness, or abate one moment
his royal concern for the glory of his crown, and
the rights of his kingdoms ; nor can any events
withdraw the necessary attention of his Majesty's
consummate wisdom from the proper interests of
Europe, or divert his generous cares from en-
deavouring to prevent the final overthrow of all
Europe, and independency amongst the powers of
the continent. In this salutary view it is that the
King has, in his great prudence, come to a reso-
lution of ordering the dispositions of the court of
Madrid, in this alarming conjuncture, to be sounded;
and, as the same shall be found favourable, a
negociation to be, without loss of time, opened on
the grounds and to the ends contained in the
minute above recited. The King is pleased to
repose such confidence in your excellency's ability
and perfect knowledge of the court of Madrid, that
his Majesty judges it unnecessary to send you par-
ticular orders and instructions as to the method
252 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757-
and manner of breaking this idea, or presenting it,
at the first view, in lights the most likely to cap-
tivate the several characters and passions of the
court with which you have to deal. It is hoped,
however, that the Spanish dignity, and natural
feelings of the Duke of Alva may, on this occasion,
coincide with the great transcendant interest of
Spain, who can no longer indulge the little, false,
selfish interest of a lucrative but inglorious and
dangerous neutrality, at the expense of the sub-
jection of Europe, without weakly and shamefully
renouncing her wise and so much boasted capital
maxim of reviving and re-establishing the inde-
pendency and lustre of the Spanish monarchy.
Nor can Mr. Wall fail to discern, how particularly
it imports a minister to embrace with ardour the
national and darling point of honour of the crown
he serves. These considerations, amongst many
others, give reasonable grounds to hope that the
court of Spain, whatever its present unpromising
complexion may be, cannot suffer itself to be sur-
prised and captivated by any alluring offer made,
or to be made, on the part of France ; it being self-
evident, that all such offers, however dazzling,
can be nothing but the price of a dependence in
security and dishonour.
I must not here omit, in obedience to the King's
commands, to open farther to your excellency a
very material concomitant branch of the measure
in view, and naturally springing from it, which, as
it concerns so nearly the interest and favourite
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 9,53
wishes of the presumptive successor of the crown
of Spain may, it is hoped, in your excellency's
hands prove a source from which your address
may possibly derive facility to your negociation,
and add essential strength to the execution of a
belligerent plan, should your excellency be so
happy as to succeed in so great a work. This
favourite object of the King of the Two Sicilies,
conformable to his non-accession to the treaty of
Aranjuez, can be no other but the securing to
his second son the eventual succession to the kinsr-
dom his Sicilian Majesty now enjoys, in case he
shall hereafter come to mount the throne of Spain.
The King is of opinion, that it is of the highest
importance that your excellency should endeavour
(inasmuch as there shall appear daylight in the
negociation above pointed out) to penetrate the
disposition of the King and royal family of Spain,
as well as of the Spanish nation, with respect to
such a contingent event ; and I am commanded
by his Majesty to recommend to your excellency
the greatest address and circumspection in ex-
pressing and touching so delicate a matter, con-
cerning which we are much in the dark, and which
so intimately and personally concerns the interests,
and affects the domestic passions, of so many
crowned heads and princes of Spain.
With regard to the court of Turin, from a situa-
tion and connection so essential to any plan that
concerns Italy, it is superfluous to observe to your
excellency, that every consideration dictates an
254 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
extreme caution and reserve in bringing their name
in question, till things shall be in some degree
ripening ; and, whenever that shall be the case,
the more the pride of Spain is left to take the lead
and call on the powers of Italy to co-operate with
her, the better, probably, the views of his Majesty
may be answered, in rendering the conditions of a
firm and affectionate ally, the King of Sardinia,
more advantageous to that prince, and beneficial
to the future system of Europe.
It may be useful to add here, that we understand,
on very good grounds, the just umbrage the
court of Naples takes at the dangerous designs of
the House of Austria, whose plan of power in Italy
is visibly this, to render incommunicable the states
of the Kings of the Two Sicilies and Sardinia, by
cutting Italy in two, and possessing a contiguity of
territory, from the Tuscan sea to Saxony and to
Belgrade.
I am now, before I close this long dispatch, to
discharge his Majesty's particular commands, by
recommending to your excellency, in the strongest
manner, to use the utmost precaution and cir-
cumspection in the overture of this conditional
idea with regard to Gibraltar, lest it should here-
after come, although Spain shall decline the sole
condition of such intimacy, to be construed into a
promise to restore that place to his Catholic
Majesty ; and your excellency will take especial
care, through the whole course of the transaction
relating to Gibraltar, to weigh and measure every
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. c255
expression with the utmost precision of language,
so as to put it beyond the possibility of the most
captious and sophistical interpretation to wrest and
torture this insinuation of an exchange on the sole
terms above expressed, into a revival and renewal
of any former pretended engagement, with respect
to the cession of that place ; and for greater and
clearer indication of matters of this extreme im-
portance, I am (though unnecessarily) expressly
to acquaint your excellency, that the King can, in
no supposed case, ever entertain the thought of
putting Gibraltar into the hands of Spain, until
that court, by a junction of their arms with those
of his Majesty, shall actually and effectually recover
and restore to the crown of England the island of
Minorca, with all its fortresses and harbours.
With regard to that part of the minute, concern-
ing the establishment made by British subjects on
the Mosquito shore and in the bay of Honduras,
your excellency will observe, on the perusal of
the inclosed copy of M. d'Abreu's last memorial
on that subject, that, notwithstanding the gene-
rality of that paper, yet, towards the conclusion of
the same, that minister expressly gives to understand,
that his court would, for the present, content them-
selves with the evacuation of the Mosquito shore,
and the recent establishments in the bay of Hon-
duras ; which he has explained himself to mean,
those made, as expressed in the minute, since the
conclusion of the treaty of Aix la Chapelle. I am
sorry to find it necessary at this time to mention
Q56 CORRESPONDENCE OF J757.
again to your excellency the King's great anxiety
for the property of his subjects concerned in the
Antigallican's prize, which, from the known equity
of his Catholic Majesty, the King trusts will receive
a decision agreeable to justice and the friendships
subsisting between the two crowns.
I am, Sir, &c. &c.
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
St. James's Square, August 28, 1757.
My Dear Nephew,
Nothing can give me greater pleasure than the
approaching conclusion of a happy reconciliation in
the family. Your letter to * * * is the properest
that can be imagined, and, I doubt not, will make
the deepest impression in his heart. I have been
in much pain for you during all this unseasonable
weather, and am still apprehensive, till I have the
satisfaction of hearing from you, that your course
of sea-bathing has been interrupted by such gusts
of wind as must have rendered the sea too rousrh
an element for a convalescent to disport in. I
trust, my dearest nephew, that opening scenes of
domestic comfort and family affection will confirm
and augment every hour the benefits you are re-
ceiving at Brighthelmston from external and in-
ternal medical assistances. Lady Hester and Aunt
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 25J
Mary(') join with me in all good wishes for your
health and happiness. The duplicate * * * men-
tions having addressed to me, has never come to
hand.
I am, with truest affection, my dearest nephew,
Ever yours,
W. Pitt.
THOMAS POTTER, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Ridgmont, September 11, 1757.
Dear Sir,
You have received from the Duke of Bedford
particular accounts of the disturbances which have
happened in this county from the attempts to
carry into execution the militia act. (2) You have
a right to expect from me information of all im-
portant circumstances which come under my ob-
servation, but when I know that you receive the
information from those whose situation gives them
(') Mr. Pitt's youngest sister, who died in December 1787
unmarried.
(-) " The new militia bill occasioned great disturbances.
Riots were raised in several counties ; the lists were forced by-
violence from the magistrates ; Lord Robert Sutton was in
danger of his life at Nottingham ; the Duke of Bedford's house,
near Bedford, was threatened to be demolished ; the Duke of
Dorset was attacked at Knowle ; the Speaker himself was insulted
at Guilford, and menaced in his own house at Ember-court, and
could not disperse the insurrection but by promising no further
steps should be taken till the next session of parliament. Under
these difficulties did Mr. Pitt begin to exert his newly acquired
power, and to give symptoms of more vigorous government."
— Walpoles Geo. II. vol. ii. p. 233.
VOL. I. S
258 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
a right to send it, it misbecomes me to trouble you
with unnecessary packets. The Duke of Bedford
has left the country, Lord Ossory (') is gone with
him, and Lord Royston, who is the lieutenant of
Cambridgeshire, has declined attending the meetings
of the deputies and magistrates of this county. Con-
sidering the stake I have in this county, and the
very active part I have found it necessary to take
for the restoring the public peace and keeping the
people within the bounds of their duty, it will not,
I believe, be thought presumption, either by you
or my neighbours, if I now take upon myself the
further conduct of this business, and the execution
of any commands which Government may think
proper to give, in relation either to the past or
future transactions.
Nothing can exceed the terror and apprehen-
sions which the militia act has occasioned. Mur-
muring and uneasiness would have arisen from the
particular provisions of the law, and the hardships
which might have happened from it to individuals ;
but the foundation of the violence used to prevent
the execution ot the act was a persuasion that
every man, the moment he was enrolled, would be,
or was liable to be draughted out into the King's
forces, and sent abroad. It was in vain to urge,
in answer to this, the express words of the act of
Parliament ; it was in vain that men, the most
respected and most beloved in their country,
(!) John, first Earl of Upper Ossory, member for the county
of Bedford. He died in the following year.
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 259
offered to engage their private faith, that no mi-
litia-man could or would be sent out of England.
The reply constantly was, and it was in the
mouths of the women and children, " We cannot
believe in this particular, for in this particular
even the King's word has been broke ; soldiers
were raised in Huntingdonshire last year for
Abercrombie's regiment, and we hear that the
same happened in many other counties ; the word
and honour of the gentlemen of the country was
given in the King's name that they should not go
abroad, but were only to be soldiers at home, to
fight against the French, and the moment they
had taken the oaths they were hurried away from
their country, we know not whither."
This is now the universal language, not only of
the meaner people, but of the substantial farmers
and yeomen of the country, under whose encou-
ragement, and even in whose pay, the inferior
people now rise in rebellion. Yet in this county,
though the discontent was universal, the violences,
I verily believe, would not have rose to any
height but from the unparalleled timidity of those
who were the objects of the first attempts. I speak
this from what has happened to myself. If I had
flown from the country and sent away my family,
encouragement would have been given to those
who were disposed to commit violences. The con-
trary conduct has kept every thing quiet in these
parts ; I have rode alone and unarmed into every
assembly, and my presence and my persuasions, or
s 2
260 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
at least my threats when they were necessary, have
soon dispersed the meeters.
The Duke of Bedford has acted as became him,
and has shown great spirit and activity, joined to
great prudence and consideration. On Friday last
he met the deputy-lieutenants and magistrates at
Bedford : great apprehensions were entertained by
the timid, of the violences to be committed that
day, and there were found men of rank who confined
themselves to their houses, lest, by coming to the
meeting, they should be the objects of resentment.
Yet the only insurrection of that day I quieted
with my own servants, the high sheriff, and ten of
his javelin-men, and a party of ten light horsemen
from Hawley's dragoons. It being, however, im-
possible to drag every man from his home to enroll
him, and it being the general resolution of the
persons on whom the lot had fallen not to come
till compelled by force, it was judged expedient
not to give up the execution of the law, as was
done in other counties, but to postpone the meet-
ings of the magistrates for the enrollment to the
end of November. In the meantime, we circulate
a paper signed by the lieutenant, the high sheriff,
and such magistrates as dare to set their names,
in order to explain the true meaning of the act j
and we have engaged in our respective divisions to
use our influence with the individuals who will
hear reason, and to explain the true meaning and
intention of the law. We have taken this method,
not from an imagination that this law, as it now
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 26l
stands, can ever be executed, but in order to save
the honour of Government, and to quiet the minds
of people, which this unhappy event has very much
disturbed.
We had another point under our consideration
at Bedford. The mob which insulted Sir Roger
Burgoyne and Colonel Lee not only committed
violence to the public-house at Biggleswade, the
landlord of which spiritedly refused to deliver up
the lists of men left in his custody, but they extorted
money from several persons, and in particular from
a clergyman, who was no magistrate, nor con-
cerned in the execution of the law, but it seems
had from his pulpit recommended obedience to
the laws. In this mob it is said there are men
of substance, and their names are known, and.
there is sufficient evidence for their conviction.
We thought it not only expedient, but absolutely
necessary, that public examples should be made
from among the most guilty of these men ; but as
the same offences may have been committed in
other counties, and perhaps have been general,
we thought it our duty to delay further proceedings
till the King's ministers should come to some re-
solutions about the measures to be taken.
It is on this head that I shall be ready to receive
and execute the commands of Government ; and
I take the liberty in this manner to offer my ser-
vices, because it is possible that those commands
may fall into hands which are liable to be affected
s 3
262 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1 757.
by fear, and may therefore fail in the execution of
them. Believe me to be, dear Sir,
Your most obedient
and obliged friend and servant,
Thomas Potter.
SIR BENJAMIN KEENE TO MR. PITT.
( Private. )
Madrid, September 26, 1757.
Sir,
Every letter, public or private, I have the
honour to receive from you increases the pain I
suffer at my present unlucky situation. I should
have been glad to have waded across the present
stream by your guidance and direction, and have
patiently expected the consequences of this alarm-
ing jumble of affairs ; but my ill-fortune has de-
prived me of my health and strength at the period
of my life and my labours when I have most oc-
casion for them. You will not be surprised at my
instances, when I can safely assure you, I know
not what it is to pass two days together in tolerable
health. I kept complaints to myself as long as I
could, but when the service was postponed or
retarded on my account, it was high time to ask
the remedy, and to desire your aid in procuring it,
which I hope you will favour me with.
I do not recollect any thing to add to what goes
1757. THE EAltL OF CHATHAM. 263
in my public letters. Give me leave to conclude,
with the assurances of the sentiments of truth and
respect with which I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most, humble and
most obedient servant
B. Keene.
SIR BENJAMIN KEENE TO MR. PITT. (>)
( Most secret and confidential. )
Madrid, September 26, 1757.
Sir,
I shall now hasten to give you an account of
the execution of the important commission with
which I am charged by his Majesty, in the honour
(!) With this masterly picture of the state and disposition of
the court of Madrid at the time of Mr. Pitt's accession to
office, the long diplomatic career of this valuable public servant
may be said to have closed. In the following month, while
preparing to return to England, with a view of retiring from
public employment, and of being created a British peer, Sir
Benjamin was taken seriously ill; and, on the 15th of December,
he died at Madrid. From his skill as a minister, and his many
amiable personal qualities-, he had succeeded in gaining the
esteem of all parties. So early as 1741, Horace Walpole de-
scribes him as " one of the best kind of agreeable men, quite
fat and easy with universal knowledge." He was the eldest son
of Charles Keene, Esq., of Lynn in Norfolk, and brother of
Dr. Edmund Keene, bishop of Chester, and afterwards of Ely,
to whom he left the bulk of his fortune. His remains were
brought over from Madrid, and buried at Lynn, near those of
his parents.
s 4
264 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757-
of your most secret and confidential dispatch of
the 23rd of August, received by the messenger
Evans, on the 10th instant.
I have most seriously weighed and combined to-
gether the different parts and branches of that
dispatch. The touching portrait you have made
of the present unhappy state of Europe, the par-
ticular misfortunes which lie so heavy upon those
parts of it wherein his Majesty is so nearly con-
cerned, the mischiefs we feel, and those we have
but too much reason to fear as impending over us —
such motives, Sir, joined to the true sense of the
honour of being intrusted with a commission cal-
culated to put an end to such calamities, have not
failed to animate my zeal for the public good, and
to warm an ambition in me, to be instrumental in
the completion of so great a work.
By several expressions in your dispatch you ap-
pear sufficiently informed of the present unfavour-
able complexion of this court ; which, being but
too true, I have considered, with more care than
ordinary, the most proper manner of procuring an
attentive reception of the insinuation I had to make
to the Spanish minister. I obtained it by a previous
conversation I had with him, under the pretence
of asking an hour more at his leisure, and I was
not mistaken when I imagined that, if I gave him
an opportunity of venting his passion in this short
conversation, I should hear less of it in the more
important one I had asked of him. As what passed
at this visit is applicable, in great measure, to our
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 265
subsequent interview, I shall take the liberty to
acquaint you that he bewailed, in a warm fluency
of words, his uneasy and dangerous situation,
which he attributed to the usage he had met with
from those he had desired to serve. Two points
(not to trouble you with disagreeable, wandering
narrations) were uppermost in his mind. The
insults Spain had met with from our privateers,
whereof, he said, not a single one had been chas-
tised during the two years in which they had
lorded it over her coasts and subjects, neither spar-
ing their properties nor their lives. "What could
he" (Mr. Wall) "say to the reproaches that fell
upon him from all parts, in excuse or alleviation of
such grievances ? The form of our government
might be something to those who knew or cared
for it ; but who were they in Spain, who did either ?
on the contrary, the general way of reasoning was,
what friendship could be cultivated or preserved
with a nation, that could not, or would not, chas-
tise its notorious delinquents."
The next point was upon what he called, our
usurpations in America ; when he ran out pretty
largely, and did not spare his minister Abreu for
soliciting an answer to his memorial on that subject ;
which, he said, he ought to have left to our choice
to give or not. The other parts of this minister's
conduct did not escape the censure of his principal ;
but it was not for being too active or lively in his
proceedings with his Majesty's ministers. As my
design was to let him satisfy his passion now, I
Q66 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
contented myself with short answers, and he ap-
pointed me to meet him the next morning pretty
early at his apartment, and not in his office.
I was punctual to his time, and addressed myself
in a manner to revive our old friendship and confi-
dence. I told him he had been a little warm the
day before, but surely the unaffected deferring the
punishment of some villains on either side was not
an object to stop the greater views and ideas that
these calamitous times might make necessary for our
courts to take into their consideration. He broke
out again: — "Not a single villain to have been
punished in two years! how can I support myself?
You," says he, " know this country as well as
myself; how can I hold up my head?" But not to
go on in the old round, I told him that, as to that
other point of his grief, and his resentment against
us, on what he called the usurpation, I had all the
reason imaginable to be persuaded he would receive
satisfaction by the first courier M. d'Abreu dis-
patched to him.
I beg leave, in this place, to give an account of
the reasons of my proceeding in mentioning this
point to the Spanish minister. It is, indeed, made
part of the opinion of the council, and follows the
great conditional proposal to this court ; but its
being so widely different in its nature, and having
no connection with that important point, otherwise
than as a means, not a condition, for entering into a
closer union with Spain, I thought proper to make
use of it as such, in order to put the minister in a
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 267
better disposition to hear what I had further to say
to him.
It was here that he again blamed Abreu, and
entered into a detail with me of what had happened
from the time he told me that the King, out of regard
to our circumstances with France, was willing to
remit those disputed points to a friendly determi-
nation between the two courts. " What had been
done by us since that time? not so much as a
memorial answered ! What calumny had not been
raised against him by the council, for agreeing to
submit to a discussion, matters so evidently the
property of the crown of Spain, whose rights had
been invalidated by such a concession I" In a
word, Sir, that I may not be too prolix in particu-
larities on this point of restitutions, I may collect
the whole in presuming, that I believe Spain will
endeavour to do herself, what she calls, justice, if
she thinks we do not ; for such I take the meaning
of Mr. Wall to have been, when he let drop the
following expressions, " that, on several occasions
and epochs, the Spanish governors, in virtue of
their usual orders and instructions to defend the
territories committed to their charge, had driven
the English logwood cutters, and other intruders,
out of the places of their labour and residence,
without imputation of having committed any act of
hostility against Great Britain ; on the contrary,
the two nations had continued in friendship till,
in the course of time, by the negligence of Spanish
governors, and the artifices of the logwood cutters,
268 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
the latter crept back again into their huts on the
rocks and lakes, which gave room to new disputes.
That Spain had fourteen sail of ships of war at sea,
and could add six more to them when she pleased."
Before I finish this article about restitution of
American possessions, I beg leave to acquaint you,
that when I informed Mr. Wall of the satisfaction
M. d'Abreu would have on this point, I did not
think fit to mention that gentleman's concession
with regard to the epoch from whence the posses-
sions in question were to be restored for the pre-
sent; and I find likewise that, in the last letter
M. d'Abreu has written on his conferences with his
Majesty's ministers, he mentions nothing of those
limitations, or his having agreed to any facilities of
the kind. I left therefore this matter to take its
course.
I ask pardon for so long a preamble ; but I knew
not how to give his Majesty a true idea of the
dispositions of things and persons here without
the trouble of such a previous detail, before I
should go on to lay before the King my proceed-
ings upon the important orders with which I had
been honoured. I have already mentioned my
endeavours to procure some sort of return of the
old friendship and confidence between Mr. Wall
and myself, in which I was not entirely unsuc-
cessful ; and, as I flatter myself you will believe, I
did my best endeavours to set your instructions in
the true light, and to accommodate them to the
temper and disposition of the person to whom I
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 269
addressed them : it will be superfluous to acquaint
you how I opened to him the great scenes of mis-
fortunes with which Europe was oppressed, its
liberties destroyed, and the only remedy for putting
a stop to these calamities, the glory and advantage
whereof would redound to his Catholic Majesty,
in whose power it was to bring this great object to
bear.
Let me beg leave to assure you, that when by the
course of my conversation to him, which was fair and
friendly, I came to the insinuation (for I would not call
it a proposition at its first birth) of the recompense
Spain would receive for joining her arms to those of
his Majesty, in order to put the King in possession of
the island of Minorca, with all its ports and
fortresses, which recompense was nothing less than
the long-wished-for restitution of Gibraltar, I used
all the precaution you were pleased to prescribe to
me, in not giving any handle to Spain, to add new
pretensions, or force to antiquated ones, from any
hint or expression on my part. I have used
greater brevity, in giving his Majesty an ac-
count of the part I have acted on this delicate
occasion, in order to come to what is much more
material for his Majesty's knowledge; I mean,
the manner in which Mr. Wall received this in-
sinuation and presentiment of the idea of his
court.
The weight of the business gained the attention
it deserved : his lively imagination wanted no in-
formation of the wretched circumstances in which
270 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757-
Europe was near overwhelmed at present ; nor did
his memory want to be refreshed by my recapi-
tulating to him the noble maxim he proposed to
follow, when he first came into office. After
running through both these subjects with great
precision, he replied to my insinuation about the
conditional restitution of Gibraltar with a cool
politeness, " that I knew he was a stranger in this
country, and alone, without aid or support from
any of his colleagues, whose inclinations, as well as
the general bent of the nation, he believed were
not for entering into a war against France in our
favour." He accused England of ruining the
credit he might have had with this nation, if we
had supported him by acts of justice and attention,
though we should have strained a point to serve
him — a credit, he said, that would have been
warmly employed for the service of both crowns,
notwithstanding all the suspicions his birth and
education might have exposed him to ; but both
the one and the other made but weak impressions
on a mind that, by the experience and knowledge
it had gained in England, saw that he could not
better repay his obligations to Spain, than by cul-
tivating a sincere friendship between her and
England : and I thought I observed something
of a regret, either that this proposition should come
too late, or in circumstances when he would not
or dared not, make use of it.
You will blame the length of my letter, if I
charge it with more particularities than are neces-
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 271
sary for his Majesty's forming a true idea of what
has passed here ; I shall therefore cut short in
this place, since there needs no farther addition,
to show Mr. Wall's resolution not to charge
himself with, nor mention, much less support, the
entering into the vigorous measures that the
execution of this project required ; neither did he
give me the least room to think (but quite the con-
trary), that he would take notice of it to his master,
or to his colleagues. Whoever is here upon the
spot, Sir, will see and bewail the indifference with
which the present situation of Europe is regarded
in the highest places at this court, and how easily
their thoughts are diverted from such interesting
objects, and employed in very trivial occasions,
of which I could give you fresh instances. And
whoever sees the nature of this administration, will
be but too well convinced, that there is neither
spirit, activity, or union of sentiments amongst
them, to flatter himself of their daring to propose,
on any account whatever, the drawing the sword
against the French, in favour of heretics, to those
who, I presume, will rather look out for excuses to
cover their tameness, than means to support their
honour and independency.
1 make these reflections, Sir, in order to reply to
that part of your dispatch, wherein you are pleased
to mention my addressing myself to the characters
and passions of such of the court as I have to
deal with. They are all of them reduced to
Mr. Wall alone. There are four secretaries of
272 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
state, who are chiefs in their separate departments :
he that is charged with the state affairs has nothing
to do with the marine, war, or finances ; and were
I to address myself to either of the latter on such
subjects as the present, they would shrug up their
shoulders, and set me worse than I am with
Mr. Wall, for this unusual suspicious application.
The Duke of Alva has been long absent from
court, and has permission still to prolong his
absence : he seems tired of meddling in political
affairs. The King loves him, but the Queen does
not care to trust or confide in his influence over her
royal consort, and cuts it short; nor will she
allow of too great a harmony, between the rest of
the ministers.
It would be a task above the present state of my
strength to give you a thorough description of this
court. I will only say in general, that the secretary
of war, Eslava, led by some warm-headed young
relations, is rather inclined to war against us ; the
marine secretary, Ariaga, would have no war at all,
but in case of one, rather against us than for us ; and
the Count de Valparaiso, who has the finances, would
rather increase his treasure, and not employ it,
either for or against us. Give me leave, therefore,
Sir, to refer it to your better judgment, whether
from those qualities, either of ministers or principals,
it would not be illusion in me, to flatter myself with
raising the least spark of that generous spirit, which
Spain has so great and noble an opportunity of ex-
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 9T/S
erting or her own good, and for that of the
public.
Permit me, Sir, at present to say a word or two
in answer to that idea, which is proposed as a con-
comitant branch of the measure in view; — I mean,
the facilitating the designs and desires of the King
of the two Sicilies, to secure to his second son the
possession of those kingdoms, in case he should
mount the throne of Spain. That matter is, indeed,
unhappily out of the question, by the non-attention
or refusal of the great point now offered to the
consideration of Spain. But, in the supposition of
a negotiation begun upon it, I believe it would
not have been agreeable to the King of Spain to
have heard any mention made of his brother of the
two Sicilies by England, or any other foreign power
whatever. Those matters are looked on by this
court as family concerns, in which no others are
to meddle. The King of Spain expects submission
to his will and example, and Don Carlos does not
care to make the figure of a sort of vassal. From
these different principles, the two courts are not
always in the best humour with each other. The
two kings write to one another by every courier,
but they never talk of their affairs ; their letters
are only accounts of the game they have killed
in the foregoing week. It has happened accident-
ally, since I received the honour of your despatch,
that I have been authentically informed, that when
the Neapolitan ambassador has made application to
this court on the subject before us, he has been
VOL. I. T
274 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
told, that surely the King of Naples may be con-
tent with the crown of Spain, in the same manner
his elder brother now wears it.
As to the opinion of the generality of the Spanish
nation, with respect to the succession of Naples, it
is, that those dominions should revert to the crown
of Spain, as being conquered by its arms and
treasure, and that the late king and his queen
had not power or right to separate it from the
monarchy.
It is time I should come to the last period of
this tentative upon the court of Spain, to support
her own independency with that of the rest of
Europe ; and I am sorry to add, that if the fore-
going part of this letter gave no hopes of success
in that attempt, what now follows will be a much
stronger confirmation of their repugnance, or rather
absolute refusal, to come into such salutary measures.
On the 1 9th instant, I received a note from M.
Wall desiring to see me before the French ordinary
departed that evening. It was to communicate to
me a long letter he had received, in figures, from
M. d'Abreu, which he read to me in a very grave
manner, telling me he would spare me the pain of
hearing any of his observations upon it j the facts
would be sufficient. They were reduced, as well
as I remember, to three: his mentioning the hints
given him by part of his Majesty's servants, that
he should have a favourable answer to his memorial
upon the affair of the Mosquito shore, and of Hon-
duras : to this M. Wall said, he had done wrong
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 27-5
to speak of it to our ministry any more ; had he
(Wall) been in England, he should have left it
entirely to their pleasure. The second point was
upon the interpretation of the treaty of 1 667, with
regard to contraband goods, and our retracting
from that interpretation, with respect to French
East India goods. The third related to the not
punishing our privateers after all the fair words
that had been given to Spain. On all these points,
M. Wall has written him a very sharp letter, ac-
cusing his lukewarm conduct ; which I apprehend
will sharpen his expressions still more than those
he has hitherto made use of.
I gained but little by endeavouring to set these
lesser matters in a true light, in opposing them
to the greater objects in view ; but it was much
more easy to irritate than convince. " Are
these times and circumstances," said he, " to
talk on such points as the liberties of Europe and
a closer union with Spain, when you have given
us so much room to be dissatisfied with you ? and
not only us, but your enemies the French and the
Austrians, who are continually blowing up the
coals against you, for your behaviour towards us?
What worse can happen to us, when the liberties
of Europe are gone, than what you do to us? If
we are to be despised, let it be by the strong, and
by our own blood and relations ; and what are
we to expect from you in your successes, if such is
your treatment in the present state of your affairs?
You may possibly make peace ; and I hear there
t 2
2*j6 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757-
are already some overtures made to France, —
perhaps, " says he, " by the Danish minister, who is
lately arrived there; but," continued he, " I shall
leave it as a legacy, not to be friends with England
after her peace with France, if we have not satis-
faction for the complaints I have mentioned ; "
hinting, that we might be mistaken if we thought
ourselves secure from the resentment of Spain, if
we made up our affairs with France.
What shall I say, Sir, in excuse for this long dis-
agreeable letter, unless that, in answer to such a
commission as I was honoured with, it was neces-
sary his Majesty should see every step that I have
taken, and the unfruitful effects of them, which I
have chosen to lay before the King, rather in M.
Wall's own words and manner, than by my con-
ception of his meaning ; and from them will best
appear what is to be hoped or apprehended from
this country.
Sure I am that I need not say a word of the
pride and honour I should have been covered with,
if, in this late part of my life, my little fortune and
abilities had not met with such insurmountable
obstacles in the execution of his Majesty's com-
mands ; but since I have not had that happiness,
I beg leave to repeat my most humble prayers to
his Majesty, that the King would be graciously
pleased to grant me that relief, which nothing but
the uncertain and bad state of health that frequently
renders me incapable of satisfying my zeal for his
royal service could ever have obliged me to
1757.
THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 277
request, as long as his Majesty should have thought
proper to accept my poor services at the court
where I reside.
I have the honour to be,
With the greatest respect,
Sir, your &c. &c.
B. Keene.
THOMAS POTTER, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Bath, October 11, 1757.
Dear Sir,
I am sorry to tell you that at Bristol, and all this
country, the discontent at the sudden return of the
fleet (') rises to a degree, and points to a place
which makes me tremble. It is to no purpose to
talk of the misconduct of the officers concerned.
The people carry their resentments higher. They
will not be persuaded, that this pacific disposition
was not a preliminary for the convention of Stade. (2)
They have been told, that an express was sent
out after Hawke, that it arrived when the boats
were prepared to land the soldiers, and that im-
mediately, in consequence of it, orders were given
to re-embark. They say this has been done with-
(!) From the expedition against Rochfort.
('-) Generally denominated the convention of Closter-Seven,
concluded, on the 8th of September, by the Duke of Cumber-
land with Marshal Richelieu, by which his Royal Highness
agreed, for himself and his army not to serve again against the
French during the war.
T 3
278 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
out your knowledge, and that Mr. F , when he
was lately here, prophesied this event, as he might
well do, knowing the private instructions which
were about that time sent out. They think it im-
possible that without private instructions men,
hitherto of good reputation, employed on an expe-
dition universally judged practicable, and provided
with every thing necessary to carry it into execu-
tion, should have failed so grossly in their duty to
their country and themselves.
This, you may depend, is the language not of a
few, but of all this country and the city of Bristol.
It becomes me to inform you of it, that proper
measures may be taken to obviate what may be
attended with such dreadful consequences. It is
even added, that another express is gone to Hol-
bourne, carrying the same pacific orders.
Your truly faithful
Tho. Potter.
WILLIAM BECKFORD, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Fonthill, Oct. 22, 1757.
Dear Sir,
It gave me great pleasure to find, by your favour
of the 18th instant, that there was no seeming want
of bodily health, which is what, I confess, has given
me the greatest uneasiness ; for as to health, vigour,
and fortitude of mind, no man enjoys it in a greater
degree than yourself. This is a blessing few have
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 279
the comfort of: it gives cheerfulness, affords re-
sources in misfortunes, and prevents despair. I
wish I could say as much of some of your asso-
ciates, who are constantly croaking to the world,
the weakness of Great Britain and the strength of
France. Not long before the event of the late ex-
pedition was known, certain personages of some
distinction whom I saw, ridiculed all our late mea-
sures, and declared we must submit to peace, since
we had starved the cause in Germany ; but the
quarter from whence this language came did not
surprise me.
I hear by accounts that I think may be de-
pended on, that Admiral Hawke says, the land
general has acted in a very unbecoming manner,
and will declare his sentiments to parliament. I
hope he will, that, if possible, the mystery may be
unravelled. I have often lamented the fatality at-
tending conjunct commands.^) The French avoid
this in all their expeditions ; for rank is perfectly
(!) On the 4th of November, Lord Chesterfield thus writes
to his son : — " The day after we had taken the island of Aix,
your friend Colonel Wolfe publicly offered to do the business
with five hundred men, and three ships only. In all these
complicated machines, there are so many wheels within wheels,
that it is always difficult, and sometimes impossible, to guess
which of them gives direction to the whole. Mr. Pitt is con-
vinced that the principal wheel, or if you will, spoke in the
wheel, came from Stade." Sir John Barrow, in his recent Life
of Lord Howe, says, — « Whether or not Captain Howe was
satisfied with the proceedings of the military no where appears ;
but in after life he was explicit on this point, that a conjunct
expedition is rarely well conducted — in which opinion Nelson
entirely concurred." — P. 36.
T 4
280 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
settled amongst the officers in the land and sea
service, and the eldest commission carries the com-
mand. I wish we had it in our power to act in
the same manner, and that as little latitude as
possible might be given to our instruments of exe-
cution.
We are truly sick at heart ; but the constitution
is good. I think of the public, as I do of a robust
patient, — get it but out of the hands of quacks,
and it will recover of itself. To attack and destroy
one of the principal naval arsenals and docks of
France was a noble project : success in the under-
taking would have made amends for all our losses
and disappointments. I do from my soul believe,
that if courage or conduct had not been wanting,
we must have succeeded. Heaven and earth seemed
to favour us.
It is to be wished, rather than hoped, that some-
thing might be undertaken, decisive in its conse-
quences ; for if we go on in our military operations
as we have begun, we shall be ruined, by being
beat and baffled in detail. Cape Breton, the only
port the French have in all the Atlantic, seems to
be the object : the greater naval force they have
there, the greater influence will such a conquest
have. Let them make what efforts they will, Great
Britain is able to send a greater ; and such a one
as may ensure success, provided a commander can
be found that has courage and capacity equal to the
undertaking.^) Excuse, dear Sir, these reveries
(') Such commanders were speedily found in General Am-
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 281
from a man confined to his cell. However, I hope
to recover my liberty in a few days. I now find
myself better, and will, if alive, pay my respects to
you at the meeting of Parliament.
I find the city (*) very uneasy at our late miscar-
riage. It seems desirous either to address the King,
or apply to Parliament, but nothing was deter-
mined when I received my last letters. I am with
the greatest respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient
and faithful humble servant,
W. Beckford.
MR. PITT TO THOMAS PITT, ESQ.
St. James's Square, October 27, 1757.
Dear Nephew,
Inclosed is a letter from * * * *, which came
in one to me. I heartily wish the contents may be
agreeable to you.
herst and Admiral Boscawen, who, on the 2d of June in the
following year appeared before Louisburgh, with a fleet of one
hundred and fifty sail and fourteen thousand men, and, on the
26th of July made themselves masters of the place.
(!) " The city of London talk very treason, and, connecting
the suspension at Stade with this disappointment, cry out that
the general had positive orders to do nothing, in order to obtain
gentler treatment of Hanover. They intend in a violent
manner to demand redress, and are too enraged to let any part
of this affair remain a mystery." — Horace Walpole to H. S. Con-
way, Oct. 13, 1757.
282 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
I am far from being satisfied, my dearest ne-
phew, with the account your last letter to my
sister gives of your health. I had formed the
hope of your ceasing to be an invalid before this
time ; but since you must submit to be one for
this winter, I am comforted to find your strength
is not impaired, as it used to be, by the returns of
illness you sometimes feel : and I trust the good
government you are under, and the fortitude and
manly resignation you are possessed of, will carry
you well through this trial of a young man's pa-
tience, and bring you out in spring, like gold, the
better for the proof. I rejoice to hear you have a
friend of great merit to be with you. My warmest
wishes for your health and happiness never fail to
follow you. Lady Hester desires her best compli-
ments. Believe me, with the truest affection,
Ever yours,
W. PlTT.(])
(') This is the last of the series of letters addressed by Mr.
Pitt to his nephew, during his studies at Cambridge. In 1759,
Mr. Thomas Pitt was admitted to the degree of M. A., per
literas regias, and in February, 1760, he visited Portugal in the
suite of Lord Kinnoul, British ambassador to the court of
Lisbon, and, accompanied by his college companion, the Earl
of Strathmore, made a tour through Spain. An interesting
account of their travels, under the title of " Observations on a
Tour to Portugal and Spain, 1760, by John Earl of Strathmore,
and Thomas Pitt, Esq." will be found in the forty-fourth
volume of Cole's MSS., in the British Museum. Horace Wal-
pole, in a letter to Sir Horace Mann> British minister at the
court of Turin, dated February 3, 1766, recommends Mr.
Thomas Pitt to his notice, in the following terms : — " Young
Mr. Pitt, nephew of the Pitt, is setting out for Lisbon with
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 283
DR. WARBURTON TO MR. PITT.
November 21, 1757.
Honoured Sir,
I have been endeavouring to pay my duty to
you before I left town, and engaged Mr. Potter to
assist me in it ; but no fit opportunity has offered.
Give me leave then, good Sir, to have recourse to
this readiest expression of my heart, to declare the
warm sense of my obligations to you. But of
these, that which I shall always esteem the great-
est, let me boast, was your confidence of my devo-
tion to you, when you supposed that I should
refuse this late preferment (1), if not given to you in
Lord Kinnoul, and will proceed'through Granada to Italy, with
his friend Lord Strathmore. The latter is much commended ;
I don't knoAv him. Mr. Pitt is not only a most ingenious young
man, but a most amiable one : he has already acted in the most
noble style — I don't mean that he took a quarter of Quebec,
or invaded a bit of France, or has spoken in the House of
Commons better than Demosthenes's nephew ; but he has in-
sisted on glorious cuttings off of entails on himself, that his
father's debts might be paid, and his sisters provided for. My
own lawyer, who knew nothing of my being acquainted with
him, spoke to me of him in raptures. You will now conceive
that a letter I have given Mr. Pitt is not a mere matter of form,
but an earnest suit to you, to know one you will like so much.
I should indeed have given it him, were it only to furnish you
with an opportunity of ingratiating yourself with Mr. Pitt's
nephew ; but I address him to your heart." — Vol. iii. p. 333.
(') On the 11th of October, Dr. Warburton, at the re-
commendation of Mr. Pitt, had been promoted to the Deanery
of Bristol.
284 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
such a manner as became the dignity of your
character and station to accept. This nattering
circumstance — for such it was to me — I happened
to be made acquainted with ; and the honour done
me in it was so noble and like yourself, that I shall
ever esteem it the highest of my obligations to your
goodness.
I am, honoured Sir, with the truest devotion and
attachment,
Your most obliged
and most faithful servant,
W. Warburton.
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.
(Secret.)
Whitehall, November 26, 1757.
My Lord,
The honour of your Grace's letter of the 17th
instant, with its inclosures, and also the resolutions
of the House of Commons of the 1st instant, relat-
ing to pensions, transmitted therewith at the
desire of that House, were received on Tuesday
last, and have been laid before his Majesty, for his
royal consideration. (*)
(]) On the death of the King's sister, the Queen Dowager of
Prussia, who had privately received a pension of 800/. a year
out of the Irish establishment, the Duke of Bedford obtained
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 285
The orders your Grace will have received from
the King, in my letter of the 18th instant, to trans-
mit the said resolutions of the House to be laid
before his Majesty, will have entirely removed the
anxious doubts your Grace's zeal for the King's
service had made you entertain, with regard to his
Majesty's approbation of your complying, purely
and simply, with the desires of the House on this
unfortunate occasion.
The picture your Grace has given of parties in
Ireland ; the great fermentation of spirits in that
kingdom, and their aptitude, in such critical cir-
cumstances, to kindle into higher and more mis-
chievous heats and asperities, cannot but have made
due impressions on his Majesty; and has given
room, by the King's order, to the most serious
deliberations of his servants on the several parts of
your Grace's important letter, and on the most
salutary and efficacious methods of allaying present
it for his wife's sister, Lady Betty Waldegrave. No sooner did
the Irish parliament meet, than the House of Commons passed
sundry strong resolutions against pensions, absentees, and other
grievances ; which they requested the lord-lieutenant to forward
to the King. The Duke in reply, told them, that they con-
tained matter of so high a nature, that he could not suddenly
determine whether it would be proper to do so. Upon this, the
House agreed to postpone the question of supply ; but, on the
following day, they were informed by Mr. Secretary Rigby,
that their resolutions would be forthwith transmitted to his
Majesty. See Walpole's George II ., vol. ii. p. 255. and Letters
to Sir Horace Mann, vol. iii. p. 237.
c2&6 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
animosities, and securing future strength and har-
mony to government.
I am first to observe to your Grace, with regard
to the disagreeable but short postponing of the
supply, that, as an apprehension of the privileges
of the House being at stake, had first raised and
would have nourished dissatisfaction, on a common
principle of parliamentary union, found at all times
more comprehensive than any other ; your Grace's
prudence, in not persevering to maintain so disad-
vantageous and difficult a ground, has met with
entire approbation : and from that passage in your
Grace's letter, namely, " that a subject is not to
put himself between a house of parliament and his
sovereign," I have a particular satisfaction in find-
ing, that your Grace's own just reflection has coin-
cided so fully with that undoubted principle of the
constitution, on which his Majesty's orders to your
Grace to transmit the resolutions were founded.
I have the pleasure to acquaint your Grace, that
his Majesty is fully sensible of your constant zeal
for his Government, and regard for the honour of
his crown ; and I am to signify to your Grace,
from the King, that his gracious countenance and
support will never be wanting to your Grace, in
the administration of your government in Ireland,
in all such proper instances as his Majesty shall
be first satisfied are best calculated for contributing
facility and strength to his affairs, and ease and
credit to your Grace. And, on this head, I beg
leave to refer myself to my former letter of the
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 287
18th instant, desiring, for the King's information,
your Grace's more particular sentiments and lights,
concerning the causes and properest remedies of
the present animosities and difficulties to Govern-
ment, resulting therefrom.
At the same time, I must not omit remarking,
that an observation in your Grace's letter on
the near equality in strength of the two pre-
dominant parties highly deserves, and has not
escaped, the attention of his Majesty ; and if, in
the present unhappy divisions, " those gentlemen
who are determined against all government, in
whatever hands it may be placed, will be enabled"
(as your Grace justly represents) "by their junction
with either of the two great parties which may be
discontented, to embarrass matters to such a degree
as to render it difficult, if not impossible, to carry
on affairs to his Majesty's satisfaction, and to the
advantage of the public ; " I am to observe, that a
conjuncture so constituted seems naturally to
suggest, and almost necessitate, all softening and
healing arts of Government, consistent with its
dignity, and, as far as may be practicable, plans of
comprehension and harmony.
Your Grace's situation must best inform you
what material objections or difficulties may oppose
themselves to such views of allaying and com-
posing animosities, and whether the most effectual
strength and facility to Government may not be
derived from such methods. If, as it is hoped,
ideas of this kind shall appear to your Grace prac-
288 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
ticable and honourable, it will be unnecessary to
add more words to recommend to your Grace's
preference conciliation and union in so critical and
dangerous a conjuncture ; and there is great room
to hope, when the present ferment shall have time
to subside, that your Grace will never again ex-
perience, in the course of your administration, any
difficulties or uneasinesses that may create a doubt
in your mind, with regard to continuing in the
government of a kingdom, where your Grace's
great qualities and many virtues may have an
ample field of displaying themselves, with honour
to the world, and with eminent advantage to his
Majesty's service in times of public danger.
I am, &c. &c.
W. Pitt.
THE DUKE OF BEDFORD TO MR. PITT.
(Most secret and particular.)
Dublin Castle, Dec. 5, 1757.
Sir,
I have as yet had barely time to acknowledge
the receipt of your secret dispatch of the 26th of
last month, by the last packet that sailed from
hence, which I did not think a safe conveyance
for the matter I now find myself under a neces-
sity of writing to you.
I think myself under the deepest obligations of
1757. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 289
gratitude to his Majesty for his gracious appro-
bation of my conduct hitherto, in carrying on his
business here ; and for the assurance that " his
gracious countenance and support will never be
wanting to me in the administration of government
in Ireland, in all such proper instances as his Ma-
jesty shall be first satisfied are best calculated for
contributing facility and strength to his affairs, and
ease and credit to myself." As it has ever been
my constant wish, in every station of life in which
I have acted, to prefer the milder method of con-
ciliation and union to the harsher one of punish-
ment and separation, I shall with great willingness
undertake the task, however difficult it may be,
which his Majesty has prescribed to me, of using
my utmost endeavours to conciliate and unite those
two (at present) very disunited parties — I mean the
Kildares and Ponsonbys. This is the only step of
conciliation that seems to me to be in any degree
practicable ; and though the difficulties appear to
be very great, yet I do not think them absolutely
insurmountable. I have already taken every step
that I thought likely to conduce to this salutary
end, but as yet I have found very little reason to
expect much success in my endeavours ; which I
must chiefly ascribe to the belief of those reports
which have been industriously spread about this
town by those of the Primate's faction, that the
last despatches I received from you did tie up my
hands from taking such measures as I might judge
vol. i. u
290 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1757.
expedient to bring back his Majesty's servants to
a due sense of their duty. (*)
You see by this, Sir, what a gross misrepresent-
ation has been made by designing men of those
orders which his Majesty has been most graciously
pleased to give me ; which, although they are
penned with that spirit of moderation and coolness
which his Majesty has at all times showed to all
his subjects, preferring, in the first instance, lenity
and admonition to rigour and chastisement, do not,
however, prevent me from taking such measures as
the obstinacy of some might make absolutely ne-
cessary for the carrying on the business of govern-
ment. And I flatter myself I am well founded in
this belief, by your again referring me to your de-
spatch of the 18th of November, in which I am
directed to transmit " to you for his Majesty's
information the names of such persons, if any such
shall occur to me, as shall be most capable and
best qualified from their abilities, credit, and con-
(!) The factions at this time existing in Ireland are described
by Horace Walpole to have been — " the Primate's, Lord Kildare's,
those attached to the Speaker Ponsonby and who in truth were a
defection from Kildare ; and a flying squadron of patriots, the
smallest body of the four, and composed, as is usual, of the dis-
contented— that is, of those who had been too insignificant to be
bought off, or whose demands had been too high ; and of a few
well-meaning men. Lord Kildare had still the greatest number
of dependents, though inferior to those of the Primate and
Ponsonby, if united ; a point now eagerly pursued by the Arch-
bishop, while at the same time he underhand inflamed the
patriots against the Castle, and had sufficient success." —
Memoirs of George II, vol. ii. p. 256.
1757- THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 2Q1
nections, to strengthen and promote his Majesty's
service."
As it is absolutely necessary, to enable me to be
of any service to the King in this country, that
the secret despatches which are to come from you
to me be kept inviolably so, I must most earnestly
intreat, that the contents of them may not be sent
to individuals here ; as the present instance shows
of what dangerous consequence even the most
trivial communication may be productive, for I can
assure you of a certainty, that the messenger who
brought me your despatches did bring at the same
time a letter from a very considerable person in
England to the Primate, besides another letter to
one in his family ; and it is from this correspond-
ence I fear these injurious reports have arisen.
That I may not appear to have taken any thing
up upon vague reports, I can inform you, that Sir
Thomas Prendergast has been the person who has
propagated them all over this town, and I must
leave you to judge whether even the bare sus-
picion of my not enjoying the King's entire counte-
nance and support in my administration, is not
sufficient to defeat my best endeavours for his Ma-
jesty's service. I beg, Sir, that what I now write
may not be imputed to the least diffidence I have
conceived of you ; but I have been long enough
about court to know, that those of a prying and
busy disposition do worm themselves into secrets
in a very unaccountable manner, and the more
u 2
292 CORRESPONDENCE OF 757-8
easily, the more open and ingenuous the person
they have to deal with is.
I shall trouble you no longer in this most secret
and particular letter, than to assure you that what-
ever orders from his Majesty you shall transmit
me during my stay here, I shall endeavour to
execute them with fidelity and punctuality ; and as
for my return hither a second time, I must leave
that to the wisdom of his Majesty and the judg-
ment of his servants in England ; who, I am
convinced, can never advise him to intrust the
government of this kingdom, in its present factious
and unsettled state, in the hands of one who shall
not be judged proper to be trusted with that power,
which can alone enable him to make that reform-
ation, as well in men as things, which appears to be
absolutely necessary at present.
I am, with great truth and regard, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Bedford.
THE EARL OF EXETER (') TO MR. PITT.
[1757-8.]
Sir,
Since you seem determined not to give me
(>) Brownlow, ninth Earl of Exeter, at this time lord lieu-
tenant of the county of Rutland. Though without date, this
letter, as well as the answer, was no doubt written during
the winter of 1757-8.
1757-8. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 293
admittance into your house, I must have recourse
to this method of acquainting you with my busi-
ness. It was to have known from your own
mouth, why the Rutland militia were ordered to
march, after I had requested they might not,
and you had assured me they should not ; at the
same time promising they should be embodied, to
prevent their 'listing into the regulars.
Depending on this assurance, I have informed
the officers and men, that they were not to march
at this unseasonable time of the year, but to perfect
themselves in their exercise against the summer;
and by relying on your word, I have broke mine
to the whole country.
As your time is so much taken up, I must de-
sire you will order Mr. Wood to send me word
why I have been deceived. I am
Your humble servant,
Exeter.
Bristol is near two hundred miles from Rutland.
MR. PITT TO THE EARL OF EXETER.
[From a draught in Mr. Pitt's hand-writing.]
[1757-8.]
My Lord,
The matter of your Lordship's letter surprises
me as much as the style and manner of it. I
never deceive, nor suffer any man to tell me I
have deceived him. I declare upon my honour,
u 3
294 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
I know nothing of the order to march the Rutland-
shire militia, if any such be given. I desire there-
fore to know what your Lordship means by pre-
suming to use the expression of being deceived by
me.
I am your Lordship's
humble servant
W. Pitt.
I delay going out of town till I hear from your
Lordship.
M. D'ABREU TO M. WALL.(')
London, March 3, 1758.
What I wrote to your Excellency by the last
post concerning the recalling Mr. Yorke (;!), in
order to his being sent to Berlin upon a secret
commission, is certain. Two days after receiving
the order for coming here, he set out from the
Hague and arrived at London last Tuesday. In
the mean time, a messenger arrived by the way of
Stade, from the King of Prussia, to insist more
than ever on the sending English troops to Ger-
many, and to excuse himself from taking subsidies,
as not wanting them ; but without making any
answer to the English proposal for a treaty, offensive
(') Endorsed, " Translation of a letter from M. D'Abreu to
M. Wall." The original in cipher.
(2) Sir Joseph Yorke, third son of the Earl of Hardwicke7
from 1751 to 1780 British minister at the Hague.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 2Q5
and defensive, during the present war. I am in-
formed, by a very certain and authentic channel,
of all the intrigues that there have been these three
days on that subject, and I will lay them before
your Excellency with as much detail as the cipher
permits.
Mr. Pitt, having refused to consent to the send-
ing troops, for the reasons mentioned in my last,
and having recalled Mr. Yorke in consequence, in
order to send him to Berlin to quiet the King of
Prussia, thought the difficulty was over ; but his
Britannic Majesty, making use of the Duke of
Newcastle and his friend my Lord Mansfield, has
left no stone unturned, in order to engage Mr. Pitt
to change his mind. My Lady Yarmouth (') has
been twice to throw herself at the feet of the
Princess of Wales, in order that by her influence
she may persuade him to come into the said
measure, and places and pensions have been
offered to the relations of my Lord Bute, the
Princess's favourite, in order that he may con-
tribute to the said end; and moreover I was
yesterday a witness of the caresses paid to the
Princess by the King at court, though he had not
spoke a word to her for above a year before. The
Princess, maintaining her firmness, has said, that
she will have no hand in sacrificing Mr. Pitt's re-
putation, by persuading him to break his word
with the parliament, but that at the same time she
(l) Madame de Walmoden, Countess of Yarmouth, mistress
of the King.
u 4
290 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
will not oppose his coming into the sending of
troops, if he thinks it an useful measure for the
common cause.
Mr. Pitt's motives for excusing himself are,
" that he shall lose his credit, having promised
the nation, that not a man should go out of the
kingdom on account of the connections of the
Electorate ('); that besides this, the King of Prussia
ought to be satisfied with 50,000 men, which
England keeps for him, between Hanoverians,
Hessians, and Brunswickers, which would not be
on foot but for the sake of assisting that prince,
since the Elector would otherwise have made a
neutrality from the beginning with France ; and
lastly, that as the French might attempt an inva-
sion (as appears to be their intention by the camp
which they have just marked out at Dunkirk),
and the militia was not yet raised in England, these
kingdoms might be in danger." These are the
reasons given by Mr. Pitt ; but the true and secret
one is, that he and the Princess of Wales's house-
hold, knowing the tenderness of his Britannic
Majesty for his son, the Duke of Cumberland, are
(!) " On the opening of the session, the King's Speech talked
openly of the defence of his Majesty's dominions of Britain and
elseivhere. By that little word elseivhere, Hanover was incorpo-
rated into the very language of parliament. On delivering
the estimates of the army, Lord Barrington complaisantly re-
verberated the word. Mr. Pitt got up and said, he did not agree
with his Lordship in that term ; he meant the army for our
immediate selves: he had never been against continental measures
when practicable, but would not now send a drop of our blood
to the Elbe, to be lost in that ocean of gore." — Walpnlea
Geo. II, vol. ii. p. 274.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 297
afraid of his reassuming the command of the army,
if English troops are sent, and consequently of his
appearing again upon the stage ; since it will be
dishonourable to trust the English troops to a
foreign general, as is the Prince of Brunswick,
who commands the army.
The Duke of Newcastle, on his part, insists
upon the sending of troops ; first, because as they
are to be employed against the French, it matters
not whether it be in Germany, Flanders, or Ame-
rica ; and, secondly, because if they disgust the
King of Prussia, who is the soul of the alliance,
he may take a separate resolution, or even find
himself obliged to yield to the weight of so many
enemies, and to finish the war upon the continent,
which it so much imports England to foment.
In a word, the fermentation still continues, and
my friend, who acquaints me with every thing,
assures me that he cannot yet form a certain judg-
ment of the resolution which Mr. Pitt will take,
though it is his opinion that he will at last find
himself obliged to send, if not a large body of
troops, a middling one of infantry, and that, in
order to screen himself with the Parliament, he
will get the motion made by a member of the
House of Commons, in order to discover their way
of thinking, without forcing the business by a ma-
jority. In the meantime, Mr. Yorke stays here
to receive his instructions, and I believe will soon
set out for Berlin, because they have more confi-
dence in his talents than in those of Mr. Mitchell.
298 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
A squadron will soon sail to cruise in the Bay
of Biscay. Two men-of-war are going to India,
and two to the coast of Guinea. I can say nothing
of our affairs, Mr Pitt being ill. The Duke of
Newcastle having asked me lately, how long
we should protect M. De la Clue's squadron, I
answered him, as far as was provided for by treaties,
and that the English squadrons would find the
same protection that should come into our ports.
I am, &c,
Abreu.
M. D' ABREU TO M. WALL.(')
London, March 10, 1758.
I think I can now positively assure your Excel-
lency that, after much debate and intrigue, the point
of sending troops toGermany was last night decided
in the negative. Mr. Pitt declared definitively, that
neither his system, nor his principles, nor his situ-
ation as a private man, permitted him to consent
to it; but that if the other ministers thought it for
the good of the common cause, he would not
oppose it, but would leave the ministry without
pique or rancour. The Duke of Newcastle, fearful
lest the resignation of Mr. Pitt might produce
another confusion like to that of last year, fatal
to his country and his own interest, agreed to the
(') Endorsed, " Translation of a letter in cipher from M.
D' Abreu to M. Wall."
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 299
not sending of troops, and even undertook to
tranquillise his Britannic Majesty on this head ;
but the great difficulty will be to quiet the King of
Prussia, to whom some glimmering of hope was
given by a messenger dispatched last Tuesday, and
who insists upon having troops sent by every post
and messenger.
Mr. Yorke will set out for Breslau as soon as
the business is decided, and I think myself in-
formed of his instructions ; which are, first, to
convince the King of Prussia of the impossibility
of complying with his request in this particular ;
secondly, to promise him that the Hanoverian
army shall be augmented and recruited in the coun-
try to as great a number as possible at the expense
of England ; thirdly, to offer him an annual sub-
sidy of a million sterling, in order that he may be
able to continue the war, and raise recruits in his
own and the conquered countries ; and fourthly,
to make him the most solemn promise, that Eng-
land will never hearken to any proposition of peace
without his consent and concurrence, and that she
will sacrifice all the advantages that may be gained
by her in the course of the war, in order to save
his Prussian Majesty from the losses which may
accrue from the number of his enemies.
Besides this, Mr. Yorke is to insinuate what
well-grounded hopes the English have of making
a good campaign in America, which may counter-
balance the success of France and her allies in
Germany, and then he is to try to engage that
300 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
monarch to make a common cause with the English,
and to cement the friendship between the two
courts by the strongest ties — the whole with a
view of animating him to continue the war upon
the continent, which is the great object of England.
As to a squadron for the Baltic, Mr. Yorke is to
tell him, that they are waiting the success of Mr.
Keith,s(1) negociations ; but that, in case Russia
should persevere in her invasion, a squadron shall
certainly go there. Not having seen Mr. Pitt, I
can say nothing of our affairs ; only I observe that
his Majesty speaks to me more graciously of late,
and has shown great satisfaction at the recovery
of the Queen our mistress. I am, &c.,
Abreu.
P. S. Since the writing of the above dispatch
my friend has confirmed every thing that I have
reported to your Excellency as to the substance ;
but still doubts whether Mr. Yorke will go to
Berlin, or whether the same instructions will be
sent to Mr. Mitchell there, because Mr. Yorke
would be glad to return to the Hague, and my
Lord Hardwicke would not like to have his son
charged with a commission, which cannot be agree-
able to the King of Prussia, as the troops are denied
him.(2)
Abreu.
(') British envoy at the court of St. Petersburgh.
(2) " Hitherto the King of Prussia had lain quiet. Sus-
picions had even been entertained, that he was meditating or
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 301
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
[March 11, 1758.]
My dearest Friend,
Your letter gives me the greatest uneasiness,
and yet I own I suspected, by my last conversation
with Lord Hardwicke, that things would take this
turn. I am not quite so satisfied with the Duke
of Newcastle as you seem to be ; his decla-
rations about avoiding any further continental
operations were formerly very strong, and he knows
the idea of sending troops abroad is totally incon-
sistent with the being of this administration.
I own, my dear friend, I rejoice in the firmness
you have shown : your situation is very delicate,
and yet a steady pursuance of plan will extricate
you with honour, but one improper concession may
prove fatal to us all. But more of this to-morrow.
I will call on you at twelve, for I expect a little
business at eleven. Adieu, my dearest friend.
Yours most entirely,
Bute.
concluding a separate peace. At last, on the 11th of April, a
new subsidiary treaty was concluded with him, and Colonel
Yorke was dispatched from the Hague to fix that essential man.
Luckily, Knyphausen was on the road, with his assent to the
treaty, before Yorke arrived ; otherwise the vainglory of Lord
Hardwicke could not have imagined a more impolitic step for
his country or his son. The treaty was approved of by the
two Houses, and the money granted." — Walpole's George II,
vol. ii. p. 293.
302 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, March 17, 1758.
Dear Sir,
After a very fatiguing day yesterday in the
House of Lords, I received, very late at night, when
I came home, the very great comfort of your most
obliging letter. It is the highest satisfaction to me,
that his Majesty begins to see his own interest,
and to know how much he owes to the zeal and
ability of his servants, and particularly to you. I
heard and saw too much on Monday last, not to
think myself obliged, in duty to the King and in
justice to you, to speak my mind very plainly, and
without the least reserve in the closet, which I did
on Tuesday. If it had any effect there, it makes
me happy ; but if it has convinced you of the sin-
cerity with which I have acted (ever since we came
together), and shall continue to act towards you,
it makes me infinitely more so. I am not vain
enough to think that I have the power which your
goodness towards me makes you imagine, but you
cannot do too much justice to my sincere inclination
and firm resolution to endeavour to do all I can.
I entirely agree with you, as to the necessity of
stopping the most unjust recall of that honest man
M. Viri (*) ; and, after the foundation you have
laid for it with the King, 1 cannot imagine that
(!) Count de Viri, ambassador from the court of Sardinia.
He died at Turin, in 1766.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 303
there will be any difficulty in inducing his Majesty
to direct you to write to my Lord Bristol (L) as you
propose. I will be sure to speak this day, and will
acquaint you with the effect of it by a note, if I
do not see you at court.
Lord Duplin, the chancellor of the exche-
quer (2), and myself were together at midnight
last Wednesday, and by the great knowledge and
attention of my Lord Duplin, and with the as-
sistance of Mr. Nichols (3), we have prepared a
plan, upon which you will give us your thoughts,
and which, perhaps, with some alterations may do.
It is necessarily high ; but we have made some
very considerable deductions, and have stated the
expense (as far as can well be done at present) of
50,000 men, actually en campaigner setting aside
both militia and invalids. The whole amounts to
1,060,000/., including the Russians, which, with
the 700,000/. for the King of Prussia, brings the
whole within 1,800,000/. I gave yesterday morning
(!) George William Hervey, second Earl of Bristol. He was
at this time British minister at the court of Turin. In June, he
was appointed ambassador-extraordinary to the court of Spain ;
and proved himself a minister of considerable vigilance, capacity,
and spirit, particularly with relation to the family compact be-
tween the houses of Bourbon ; which being ratified in September
1761, his Lordship left Madrid in December, without taking
leave. In 1766, he was appointed lord-lieutenant of Ireland ;
in 1768, keeper of the privy-seal; and in 1770, groom of the
stole, and first lord of the bed-chamber; which places he held
till his death, in 1775.
(2) Mr. Legge.
(3) Ledger-keeper in the paymaster's office.
304" CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
the plan, &c. to Baron Munchausen, (!) with a paper
of explanation and observations upon it. M. Mun-
chausen will return it, with his remarks, on Mon-
day morning. I will then send the whole, with
our observations upon them, immediately to you.
I wish it was possible to go to parliament next
week in some shape or other, though I am afraid
it will be difficult, if not impossible. The subscri-
bers of nine millions are very impatient to know
their fate ; they say their money is locked up. I have
recommended it in the strongest manner to M.
Munchausen, to be reasonable and very moderate ;
I have showed him, from myself, the absolute neces-
sity of it. Upon all occasions you and I (I had
almost said the King and the public) have a friend,
who sjives us the most useful assistance. I have
had an exorbitant proposal from M. Prado for
forage. I have ordered other inquiries to be made,
but I have sent for a merchant from Amsterdam,
who knows more than all of them put together.
Believe me to be, dear Sir,
most sincerely, and
most affectionately yours,
Holles Newcastle.
(4) Hanoverian minister at the court oi' London.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 305
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
[From a rough draught in Mr. Pitt's hand- writing. ]
April 4, 1758.
My Lord,
The expense of the army (Hessians not included),
as stated in the specifications given to your Grace,
is so prodigious, that I find it impossible to rest at
ease, till I see some daylight for his Majesty's
business in parliament, by the reduction of those
demands to such a size as may render them sup-
portable, when the proper day shall come for open-
ing the whole of the vast expense abroad to the
House. The establishments are so high, the allow-
ances are so excessive in quantity, and the supposed
first cost of all necessaries so enormous, that Mr.
Nichol's observations seem to me extremely tender,
and far short of the mark. The invalids and militia,
I need not say, are out of the question, and never
could be intended in the minute of October last.
The demand of forage for Hessians last year is
preposterous, and would revolt all the world.
I wish to God I could see my way through this
mountain of expense. I confess I cannot, unless
your Grace can reduce things to a reasonable bulk,
and to such precision at least as will enable me
to deal openly and fairly with the House. I beg
to see a clear state of the pay of the whole army,
Hessians included, and also the other supposed
charge, Hessians also included, when properly and
vol. i. x
306 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
duly reduced in establishment and in allowances,
quantity, and probable first cost.
I hope your Grace will pardon this trouble ;
which nothing but my fears for the whole should
have given you. I am with the greatest truth and
perfect respect,
Your Grace's, &c. &c.
W. Pitt.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, April 5, 1758.
Dear Sir,
I received yesterday the honour of your letter,
and though we had a good deal of discourse at my
Lady Yarmouth's, upon the estimate to be laid
before the House of Commons, I hope you will
excuse my expressing my very great concern and
surprise at the contents of it. My surprise was
great to find that Mr. Nichols now made the amount
of the whole come to 1,500,000/., when he had
very lately, upon a gross computation, stated it to
me (as I understood it) at between 1,300,000/.
and 1,400,000/. I very well remember that I
desired to know the amount of the whole (meaning
the whole army of 50,000 men), upon the foot of
Baron Munchausen's last proposal, and the answer
he gave me made it amount to what I have before
mentioned.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 307
My concern is great that, you should think that
I had suffered the demand to swell beyond all
decency. So far have I been from suffering any
such thing, that I have invariably and most strongly
represented against it, and constantly endeavoured
to show the necessity of reducing the demand. I
have been as constantly answered, that nothing was
charged but what the King actually paid ; and I
have never given the least ground to hope that
any thing was to be granted, but what I had
reason to think would be generally approved by
all the King's servants. I have daily and hourly,
from the beginning, represented the necessity of
making abatements in the demands, and passed
entirely yesterday morning, upon seeing the amount
of the whole demand according to Mr. Nichol's
present state of it.
I do not look upon the fixing this estimate to
belong to the treasury. Whilst I have the honour
to be at the head of it, no demand of this sort
shall come before parliament, which is not pre-
viously approved by the rest of the King's minis-
ters. I know too well my own situation, to think
it either for the service of the King or the public,
or for my own credit, to bring any such demand
before parliament, which has not your concurrence,
approbation, and support. The providing for this
army of 50,000 men by this country is a measure of
administration. The expense of it also is necessarily
their providing ; and it is too great a task for the
reasury to take upon them to determine how far
x <2
308 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
that expense shall go, especially when it is noto-
rious, that the necessary expense of the army in
Germany at this time is much higher than it was
during the last war in Flanders.
Whatever the public may think of me, I shall
always have the satisfaction to know, that to the
best of my judgment I act for the service of the
King and the nation. Far from encouraging any
extraordinary demands, I always have and shall
continue to remonstrate against them, as far as I
am able. When that is over, it is the business of
the King's ministers collectively to say whether the
measure shall be pursued or not. I proposed to
the King the putting the whole affair of these
things and every thing expect the pay, &c. under
the direction of persons appointed from hence.
His Majesty readily consented to it ; and when that
is done no suspicion can remain. Since writing
thus far, I have had the chancellor of the exchequer,
Baron Munchausen, and Mr. Nichols, with me.
The last will have acquainted you with the sub-
stance of what passed. I am, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate humble servant,
Holles Newcastle. (')
(') On the 25th of April, Lord Chesterfield writes to his
son : — " The only extraordinary thing is, that last week, in
the House of Commons, above ten millions were granted, and
the whole Hanover army taken into British pay, with but one
single negative, which was Mr. Viner's."
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 309
THE KING TO PRINCE FERDINAND OF BRUNSWICK.
[From the original draught drawn up by Mr. Pitt.]
Av Kensington, ce 28me Avril, 1758.
Mon Cousin,
La lettre que vous m'avez ecrite de Minister, le
21e du courant m'est bien parvenue avant hier au
matin. Vous ne pouvez ignorer l'extreme satis-
faction avec laquelle j'ai vu la maniere dont vous
avez conduit mon armee, depuis qu'elle est sous
votre commandement ; et vous pouvez vous per-
suader, que ma confiance s'augmente de jour en
jour a proportion des nouvelles preuvesque vous ne
cessez de me dormer de votre habilite et de votre
zele pour mon service, et pour le bien de la cause
a laquelle je me suis lie, et dontle succes decidera
du bonheur de mes peuples.
Je ne puis qu'approuver les mesures que vous
avez prises pour couvrir le Weser, pour favoriser
la formation des magasines, et pour entretenir la
communication avec mes etats et ceux des mes
allies. Je tombe d'accord avec vous, qu'un an
de guerre vive feroit moins de mal a mon armee,
et plus de tort a l'ennemi, que deux ans d'une
guerre poussee froidement, et ou Pon so tiendroit
sur le defensif. C'est sur ce principe que j'ai sug-
gere a differentes reprises, combien il seroit utile a
mes affaires de profiter des heureux succes que
mes armes ont eus, en serrant l'ennemi encore
x 3
810 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
d'avantage, et meme en le poursuivant au dela du
Rhin. Quels que soient mes souhaits la dessus,
les circonstances et votre prudence doivent en
decider. La bravoure, conduite par la sagesse, en
re9oit un nouveau lustre. Je reconnois toutes ces
qualites en votre personne ; et je me persuade, que
vous travaillerez a lever les obstacles qui s'opposent
pour le present au progres ulterieur de mes armes ;
et dans cette vue mes ordres seront reiteres pour
hater, autant que possible les recrues et les ren-
forts qui doivent joindre l'armee, et de presser le
depart de Pattirail de guerre, qui vous manque
encore. En attendant, je ne puis qu'approuver votre
intention d'alarmer sans cesse les troupes ennemis,
et de tacher de faire des coups de main sur elles,
et a cette fin, de jetter au dela du Rhin six a sept
mille hommes, ou tel autre detachment que vous
jugerez convenable. (*)
II ne me reste qu'a vous assurer de toute mon
amitie, et de la parfaite estime avec laquelle je suis,
&c. &c.
George R.
(!) Prince Ferdinand lost no time in putting the King's
entreaties into execution. In the latter end of May, he ordered
a detachment to pass the Rhine at Duysbourg, under the com-
mand of Colonel Sneither, who executed his order without loss ;
and in the beginning of June the whole army passed the
Rhine, on a bridge constructed for the occasion, defeated a body
of French cavalry, and obtained several other advantages in their
march towards the Weser.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 311
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Kensington, May 10, 1758.
Dear Sir.
I had the pleasure to find the King this morning
indeed quite well, with very little remains of his
cold. I acquainted his Majesty with your concern
that your health did not permit you at present to
attend him, and with your desire of his Majesty's
leave to go for some days into the country, for
the recovery of it. His Majesty was very sorry for
the state of your health, and hopes the country air
will very soon re-establish it.
I also acquainted the King with what you desired
me, relating to the expedition.^) His Majesty's
answer was, that (as he had told my Lord Ligonier)
he would neither advise nor oppose it ; but that
he thought it would be of service, that the fleet
(meaning, as I understood it, with the troops and
transports) should appear upon the coasts of
France ; and therefore his Majesty would have
(*) Disheartening as had been the result of the enterprise
against Rochfort, the government resolved to fit out another
expedition on a more extensive scale, for the purpose of making
a descent on different parts of the French coast ; and in order
to draw off the attention of the enemy, and prevent any serious
interruption to the operations of the troops, a fleet of seventeen
sail of the line and several frigates, under the command of Lord
Anson, was prepared with all possible dispatch, and sailed from
Spithead on the 1st of June, to blockade Brest. The command
of the land-forces was given to the Duke of Marlborough, and
that of the armament to Commodore Howe.
x 4
312 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
you prepare a draught of instructions for the Duke
of Marlborough, upon the plan proposed in the
paper signed by the general officers. His Majesty
also has told my Lord Ligonier, and has repeated
the same to me, that he would have the con-
sideration of this affair laid before his servants ;
and if in the mean time the instructions are got
ready, the whole may be considered at once.
I am very sorry that an indispensable engage-
ment this evening prevents my waiting upon you.
My Lord Holdernesse will have that honour,
with whom I have fully talked the affair over. I
heartily wish you may find all possible benefit from
the country air, and conclude you will be going
thither to-morrow. I am with great truth and
respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant,
Holles Newcastle.
THE EARL OF HOLDERNESSE (i) TO MR. PITT.
Arlington Street, May 10, 1750.
Sir,
If I have appeared importunate in my frequent
(i) Robert D'Arcy, fourth Earl of Holdernesse; in 1744
appointed ambassador to the Venetian republic; in 1749,
minister plenipotentiary to the states general; in 1751, and
again in 1754, one of the principal secretaries of state ; and in
1765 lord warden of the cinque ports. He died in 1778, when
the earldom became extinct.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 313
endeavours to have leave to wait upon you, I hope
the urgency of the business I had to communicate
to you will be a sufficient excuse. I confess I was
greatly disappointed that I had not that honour
this evening, as I observed, in your letter to the
Duke of Newcastle, that you had allotted some
part of it to business ; but as I now find I am
not likely to have an opportunity of talking with
you till after your return from the country, I am
under the necessity of giving you this trouble, to
desire to know your opinion, what answer should
be returned to Prince Ferdinand (!) and Baron
Knyphausen, in respect of the pretensions of the
Landgrave of Hesse ; whom they both represent as
being upon the point of taking the rash resolution
of withdrawing his troops from Prince Ferdinand's
army, and he actually has stopped the recruits
that were destined for the regiments now with
Prince Ferdinand.
I take it for granted you still remain of opinion
that nothing is to be given to the Landgrave upon
the foot of dedommagement pecuniaire ; but M.
Knyphausen tells me, that in his last conversation
with you, you seemed inclined to adopt the notion
of granting an extraordinary subsidy to the Land-
grave, upon certain conditions, and I understand
M. Knyphausen has wrote to the Hessian ministers
in this sense ; and he is so very pressing with me to
set the negociation on foot, that I no longer know
(') It was at the instance and by the advice of Mr. Pitt, that
Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick had been placed at the head of
the Hanoverian and Hessian troops.
314 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
how to put him off, without risking the charge of
neglecting the immediate business of my office.
I need not dwell upon the dangerous conse-
quence of the Landgrave's taking a hasty measure
of the kind he threatens. It might at once frustrate
and render ineffectual all the great efforts made
by this country, in support of the King of Prussia
and the common cause. A negotiation of some
sort or other once entame, I should hope means
might be found to keep the Landgrave in good
humour ; and the firmness he showed, in opposi-
tion to the execution of the convention of Closter-
Seven, entitles him to as much favour as can with
propriety be shown to him.
I earnestly beg the favour of an answer to this
letter, as M. Knyphausen is to be with me in the
country on Saturday and Sunday, when, if I can
know your sentiments, something may be put upon
paper for future consideration ; for I am very
unwilling either to enter into a negociation of this
kind without a proper concert with the rest of the
King's servants, or to have the consequences which
may result from the Landgrave's impatience attri-
buted to any delay in the office where I have the
honour to serve the King.
I most sincerely hope you will have all the benefit
you expect from the country air, after your long
and painful confinement. I am myself still an
invalid, and stand very much in need of a little
recess from business ; but I doubt the suspense I
have been kept in for this fortnight last past will
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 31.5
prevent me from having much enjoyment of the
ensuing holidays. I am, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
HOLDERNESSE.
DR. WARBURTON TO MR. PITT.
Prior Park, May 15, 1758.
Honoured Sir,
You have encouraged me so much to presume
on your favourable acceptance of any instance of
my attachment and devotion to you, that I have
taken the liberty to order for you a new edition of
one of my books, (the second volume of the Divine
Legation,) just going to be published. You will
find, in a place generally occupied by trifles or
falsehoods ('), a very serious truth related, which,
I am sure, you have often thought upon with con-
cern ; and in the address to the Jews I have
hinted at a late public transaction concerning that
people, which I hope will appear excusable, as a
matter within my profession.
I have ventured to take a further liberty — the ac-
companying this book with the rest of my writings,
as they have for their subject those two things
which, with their dependencies, I know you esteem
most worth a reasonable man's leisure — I mean
religion and civil government.
(') The Dedication to the Earl of Mansfield.
316 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
But it will be honour enough for my writings
only to find a place in your library. I should have
reason to lament for the public, as well as to be
alarmed for that complaisant opinion, which your
favourable prejudice for me hath tempted me to
entertain of myself, if the ablest judge and critic
of these subjects should ever have so much vacant
leisure to read, what at best would be found to be
only the image of his own former reflections.
I have the honour to be, with the sincerest at-
tachment, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged,
and most devoted servant,
W. Warburton.
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
June 4, 1758.
My worthy Friend,
I received your kind letter at dinner with
company, so that I could not then answer it, and
did not care to detain your servant. Had I any
occasion for additional proofs of your friendship,
and fervent zeal for the public good, every line of
your letter would furnish me with them ; indeed,
the entire confidence I place in you, dear Pitt, the
perfect knowledge I have of your sentiments
supports me, though surrounded by the most
threatening symptoms. What a terrible proof was
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 317
Friday in the House of Lords (') of the total loss
of public spirit, and the most supreme indifference
to those valuable rights, for the obtaining which
our ancestors freely risked both life and fortune !
These are dreadful clouds that hang over the future
accession, and damp the hopes I should otherwise
entertain of that important day — I say damp, for
while you keep your health, I never will despair
of better times. We have so good a cause, that I
make no doubt but Providence will still assist us
to struggle through the turpitude of the age, and
pave the way for a happy reign to a most deserving
Prince. Keep then your health and spirits, and
let faction and degeneracy do its worst, and by
that I shall also support myself, and him to whom
I dedicate my life. Adieu, my dear friend.
I am ever most affectionately yours,
Bute.
Sunday.
(') On Friday a bill to explain and amend the habeas corpus
act, which had passed the Commons with considerable ala-
crity, was rejected by the Lords. * " The habeas corpus,"
writes Horace Walpole to Mr. Conway, " is finished, but only
for this year. Lord Temple threatened to renew it the next ;
on which Lord Hardwicke took the part of proposing to order
the judges to prepare a bill for extending the power of granting
the writ in vacation to all the judges. This prevented a division ;
though Lord Temple, who protested alone t' other day, had a
flaming protest ready, which was to have been signed by near
thirty. Lord Mansfield spoke admirably for two hours and
twenty-five minutes. Except Lord Ravensworth and the Duke
of Newcastle, whose meaning the first never knows himself, and
the latter's nobody else, all who spoke, spoke well."
318 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
[June 16, 1758.]
My dear Friend,
My hopes were so small, that I feel this dis-
appointment (') less than I otherwise should ; but
feel it I do, and the more so that, without the gift
of prophecy, I foresee where all this will end.
Will it not be necessary to spur them on a little ?
Might not a letter received in time force them to
act like men, in their next attempt ; if any such
be intended ?
I hear already of an air of triumph painted in
some faces (2) ; but, alas ! that is not against us,
but against their country. In all this you have
the satisfaction, my worthy friend, to have done
(') The return of the expedition against St. Maloes toConcale,
June 12, re infecta. See p. 323.
(2) Walpole relates, that the King, who was supposed to be
adverse to the expedition, said to Lord Waldegrave, " I never
had any opinion of it : we shall brag of having burnt their ships,
and they of having driven us away." And in a letter to Mr.
Conway, written on the 16th, he exultingly exclaims, " Well,
my dear Harry ! you are not the only man in England who have
not conquered France ! Even dukes of Marlborough have been
there without doing the business. We have waited with astonish-
ment at not hearing that the French court was removed in a panic
to Lyons, and that the mesdames had gone off in their chemises
with only a portion of rouge for a week. Now, for my part, I
expected to be deafened with encomiums on my lord Anson's
continence, who, after being allotted Madame Pompadour as his
share of the spoils, had again imitated Scipio, and restored her
unsullied to the Kingof France. Alack! we have restored nothing
but a quarter of a mile of coast to the right owners."
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 319
your utmost. The wisest plans may fail by timid
execution, and the ablest counsels prove useless
without willing instruments. Do not suffer this
almost expected event to prey upon your generous
mind. Preserve your health for better times.
Remember that we ought rather to be surprised
at the good you are able to do (things so situated),
than at miscarriages, though they came much
often er. Farewell, my dear Pitt,
Ever most affectionately yours,
Bute.
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
Kew, June 27th, 1758.
My worthy Friend,
I did not quite understand one sentence in
your letter, where the King is said to permit
Prince Edward (') to go as a volunteer. Is not that
to make him in utr : paratus ? Ought not there to
be some sea-commission, with regard to cartel, in
(') Edward- Augustus, second son of Frederick, Prince of
Wales, and brother of George the Third. On the 23d, he had
been appointed a midshipman, and, in the following month, he em-
barked on board the Essex, commanded by Lord Howe, upon
the expedition against Cherburg. In April, 1760, he was created
Duke of York and Albany and Earl of Munster, and in 1761,
appointed rear-admiral of the blue. In 1762, he hoisted his flag
on board the Princess Amelia, and made several cruizes. He after-
wards made the tour of the Continent, visited the King of Prussia
and several courts of Germany, and in passing from Paris to
Italy, was seized at Monaco with a malignant fever, of which he
died, in September, 1767, in his twenty-eighth year.
320 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
case of accidents? Do enquire a little about this.
As to the smallest idea of Dury (') taking place in
my breast, that was as impossible to me, as his
nomination to the see of Canterbury would have
been. I now wish most heartily all expeditions
over. Adieu, my worthy friend. I am ever,
Most affectionately yours,
Bute.
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
Kew, June 28, 1758.
My Worthy Friend,
I most heartily congratulate you on the great
event that has happened (2) ; and am persuaded
this is the critical minute, in which the most
peevish person will be brought to assent to
the assistance of Prince Ferdinand's army. The
number of men you propose sending is in truth
neither more nor less than what I had in secret
wished to go ; and I cannot help observing, that
this measure (whatever effect it may have on the
(') General Alexander Dury. He was second in command at
the unfortunate affair at St. Cas ; where, after being wounded,
he contrived, with the aid of a grenadier, to take off his clothes ;
after which, he got into the sea, and was never heard of more.
(2) Having pushed the French beyond the Rhine, Prince
Ferdinand, on the 23d of June, passed it himself at Herven in
sight of their whole army, and soon eclipsed the glory of that
passage by defeating them at Crevelt, where they lost seven
thousand men.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 321
-) ought certainly to convince the Prussian,
that we may be depended on, and hasten a proper
treaty ; without which things are in a precarious
way, notwithstanding the success in Germany. I
own our not being courted to this salutary mea-
sure makes me very uneasy ; and some warnings I
have lately received from a good hand, relative to
Knypp n's ideas of the great basis of such a
treaty, not only provoke me extremely, but cast
a veil of suspicion (perhaps groundless) on the
ulterior intentions of his master.
Adieu, my worthy friend, and be assured that
we think precisely the same way in the great
measure you have now set on foot, and that I
shall repine at nothing but the delaying its being
put in execution. I ever am, dear Pitt,
■ most affectionately
and entirely yours, &c,
Bute.
MR. PITT TO LADY HESTER PITT.
Hayes, Saturday, July 1, 1758.
My dear Love,
I hope this letter will rind you safe arrived at
Stowe, after a journey which the little rain must
have made pleasant. Hayes is as sweet with these
showers, as it can be without the presence of her,
who gives to every sweet its best sweetness. The
loved babes are delightfully well, and remembered
VOL. I. Y
322 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
dear mamma over their strawberries. They both
looked for her in the prints, and told me " Mamma
gone up there — Stowe garden." As the showers
seem local, I may suppose my sweet love enjoy-
ing them with a fine evening sun, and finding
beauties of her acquaintance grown up into higher
perfection, and others, before unknown to her and
still so to me, accomplishing the total charm.
The messenger is just arrived, and no news.
Expectation grows every hour into more anxiety —
the fate of Louisburgh and of Olmutz probably
decided, though the event unknown — the enter-
prise crowned with success or baffled, at this mo-
ment — and indications of a second battle towards
the Rhine. I trust, my life, in the same favouring
Providence that all will be well, and that this
almost degenerate England may learn from the
disgrace and ruin it shall have escaped, and the
consideration and security it may enjoy, to be
more deserving of the blessing.
Sister Mary's letter of yesterday will have car-
ried down the history of Hayes to last night ;
and the continuator of this day has the happiness
to assure my sweetest love of the health of its
inhabitants, young and old. The young are so
delightfully noisy, that I hardly know what I write.
My most affectionate compliments to all the con-
gress.
Your ever loving husband,
W. Pitt.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 323
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
i [July 2, 1758.]
My dear Friend,
I just learn from your office, that the fleet is
returned to St. Helen's. (') For God's sake, let
their stay be as short as possible ! I foresee the
troops, generals and officers, will be most impatient
to change their destination, if they are left any
time to cabal at home. You seemed unwilling to
take any of those battalions for the German ex-
pedition. Why will my friend continue the Duke's
measure, in keeping so great a body of men in
Scotland? Four thousand is quite sufficient for
that service ; which would give great elbow-room
here. George Townshend has been with me this
morning, pressing me to desire you to give ten mi-
(!) The expedition under Commodore Howe, which had sailed
from Spithead on the 1st of June, came to anchor at Concale
bay on the 5th. The troops landed on the following day and
marched to St. Maloes, and preparations were made for laying
siege to the town; but the Duke of Marlborough, having re-
ceived advice of a large force of the enemy collected to cut off
his retreat, and being informed that the siege would take up a
month, ordered the whole of the forces to strike their tents,
and return to Concale ; which they did after having set fire to
about a hundred sail of shipping, which lay under the guns of
the town, and to several magazines filled with naval stores.
After reconnoitring the town of Granville, the fleet moved
towards Cherburg, and made the proper dispositions for landing;
but a hard gale blowing in to the shore, and the transports
beginning to fall foul of each other, it was determined to make
the best of their way to the English coast; and, on the 1st of
July, the whole fleet reached St. Helen's.
Y 2
324 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
nute's audience to Mr. Annesley, adjutant to the
second troop of horse grenadiers, ; who, he affirms,
has the most useful matter to impart relating to the
French coast, in case the fleet go out again. He
seems to wish it so much, that I take for granted
you'll please him in it. (')
I am ever, my worthy friend,
most affectionately yours, &c.
Bute.
Sunday morning.
EARL TEMPLE TO MR. PITT.
Stowe, July 3, 1758.
My dear Pitt,
The return of the expedition re infectd, does
not surprise me ; for a Rochfort is not to be met
with every day, and the burning the shipping has
been, so far, a happy event. If more can be done
of the same kind, it is certainly a good employ-
ment both of our men and ships, and will be thought
so by all impartial men.
I grieve to see the difficulties and dangers which
surround you on every side, notwithstanding the
fortunate and glorious successes of these last nine
months. Far be it from me, my dear Pitt, to add
to them by any difference amongst us : much, very
(i ) See Mr. George Townshend's letter to Mr. Pitt, of the 27tij
of August, p. 346.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 325
much, may undoubtedly be said in favour of the
measure you have taken ; though as one step ne-
cessarily draws on many more, in any hands but
yours, with such a master, such colleagues, and
the whole of the plan of the war taken together,
my reluctance would be extreme ; though, in rea-
soning upon this abstracted proposition, to be sure
it carries along with it not only great plausibility,
but likewise may be productive of much good.
Leicester House will certainly have no objection
to any measure of this kind, so long as they have
nothing to apprehend, with regard to his Royal
Highness (^ being put at the head of it. What
alarms me most, is the account Lady Hester brought
of some men of war, a few, very few, being got
into Louisburgh ; because, upon the issue of that
attempt, I think the whole salvation of this country
and Europe does essentially depend, and any French
force at all in that harbour, bringing comfort and
reinforcement, may blast all our hopes : but as facile
credimus quod volumus, I will still depend upon
success there, and wish it every where else.
Lady Hester is perfectly well, and made us all
very happy, throwing in some gleam of hope, that
we might still see you on Saturday next ; but I fear
all these matters, with united force, will join to de-
(') The Duke of Cumberland. On the 25th, the Duke of
Marlborough was appointed commander-in-chief of the British
forces about to be sent to Germany, to augment the army of
Prince Ferdinand.
Y 3
3£6 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
prive us of that pleasure. All desire their kindest
love and compliments, and I am ever, my dear
Pitt,
Your most truly affectionate brother,
Temple.
LORD GEORGE SACKVILLE(') TO MR. PITT.
Portsmouth, July 3, 1758.
Sir,
You have been so much my friend upon every
occasion, that I trust you will forgive the trouble
I now give you, in representing the disagreeable
situation I find myself in.
When I was appointed lieutenant-general upon
the present expedition under the Duke of Marl-
borough, I most readily accepted of it, as the only
service then subsisting; but I was in hopes,
should any troops be destined for Germany, that
I might have had the command of them, if nobody
upon the staff in England of superior rank had
been employed. But you may judge how morti-
(!) Third son of Lionel Cranfield Sackville, first Duke of
Dorset. He served several campaigns in Germany, under the
Duke of Cumberland ; became a major-general in 1755 ; in
1757, was appointed colonel of the second regiment of dra-
goon guards, and lieutenant-general of the ordnance; and, in
the early part of this year, lieutenant general of the forces, and a
privy-councillor. This letter was written two days after his return
from the expedition to St. Maloes ; where, according to Horace
Walpole, " it was said, that the Duke of Marlborough and the
troops remarked, that he was not among the foremost to court
danger."
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM, 3£>7
fied I was yesterday to learn, that such a command
was given to general Blighe(1), who, I dare say,
will be as surprised at being named, as the whole
army must be at the appointment of him.
In this situation, I have made it my earnest
request to Lord Ligonier, after this mark of his
Majesty's disapprobation, to be struck off the staff,
as soon as the troops are dismissed from this ex-
pedition ; or as soon as the Duke of Marlborough's
command of them may cease. I do entreat your
intercession for the granting of this my request ;
and as I shall ever esteem your friendship as the
greatest honour to me, I hope I shall meet with
your approbation in desiring to withdraw from the
active part of my profession, since I can no longer
continue in it with any degree of credit or satisfac-
tion to myself. I am, Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your faithful and obliged
humble servant,
George Sackville.
WILLIAM BECKFORD, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Fonthill, July 10, 1758.
Dear Sir,
If I was not most sincerely attached to your
and my country's interest and welfare, I should
(!) It was originally intended to appoint General Blighe, an
old experienced officer, who had served with reputation, to the
command of the British forces about to be sent to Germany.
Y 4
328 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
not presume to trouble you with these few lines ;
but as by-standers often see as much of the game
as those engaged in play, permit me to unbosom
my thoughts to one I so sincerely regard.
The people of England are as apt to be as much
elated with good success, as they are depressed by
misfortunes. No wonder, therefore, if our late
success in Africa (!), on the Rhine, and at St.
Maloes (for I call that a lucky event, all things
considered), gave them high spirits ; and all this
good news was ascribed to you and you only.
This was the general voice of the people ; but
yet there are a set of men who wish you ill, and
who, I am confident, will stick at nothing, in
order to lessen that popularity you have so justly
acquired. These men give out, that the St.
Maloes expedition was an idle scheme, which is
as much ridiculed in France and other places, as
our late expedition to Rochfort ; that an attempt
on the coast of France never can succeed ; that we,
therefore, ought to employ all our troops on the
Rhine or the Low Countries ; and that, notwith-
standing his promise to parliament, Mr. Pitt will
be obliged to send an army into Germany.
This is the language of those, and those only, who
are far from wishing you well; for all the disinterested
men with whom I converse hold another language.
They think an invasion on the coast of France is
practicable, and that the naval force of that
(') The capture of Fort Louis and Senegal, by the squadron
under Commodore Marsh.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 329
country can be weakened no way so effectually as
by destroying their ships, stores, and magazines,
by frequent invasions ; that the attempt on St.
Maloes showed the practicability of the measure ;
that we have a great force at present unemployed,
which is capable of attempting greater things at
this critical juncture, while the arms of France are
so fully employed in Germany ; that we have
docks and ships sufficient to make an attempt on
Brest; and that these diversions will do more good
to the common cause, than sending large bodies of
men to Germany or the Low Countries.
In my own opinion, there is truth in this kind
of reasoning ; for I verily believe our present
situation is such as to render us capable of an
attack on the French coast, and of sending a very
large supply to the army of Hanover. Now, as you
were pleased to write me word you had advised send-
ing twelve squadrons of idle horse to strengthen
Prince Ferdinand's army, I think the measure right,
and should, for one, approve of sending more horse
to that army, which seems to be in want of horse, and
they are of little use here, but, on the contrary, a
great burden to the poor innholders, &c. Our caval-
ry are esteemed the heaviest and best in Europe ;
and if a large body of them were sent to Prince Fer-
dinand's army, such an addition would add greater
weight to the common scale, than treble the num-
ber of foot ; for our infantry is not more esteemed
than that of Germany, but our horse are in the
highest reputation. Moreover, I am very sure the
330 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
sending of horse will give no disgust, but the send-
ing a body of infantry will cause uneasiness, and
not have that effect on the enemy we all desire
they should have.
Let me, therefore, entreat you not to be dis-
suaded from an attempt on the coast of France ;
and the greater the object the better, for we have
force great enough for every attempt. If it was
not to succeed, it will have the object of causing a
diversion, will keep the enemy in hot water, and
prevent their overwhelming by numbers our allies
in Germany. Send all our idle unemployed horse
there — send twenty, thirty squadrons — as many as
you please, but keep your infantry to be employed
elsewhere.
That all health, happiness, and success may at-
tend you, is the hearty prayer of,
My dear Sir, your faithful and
affectionate humble servant,
W. Beckford.
MAJOR-GENERAL AMHERST (>) TO BRIGADIER-
GENERAL WOLFE.
Camp, August 6, 1758.
Dear Wolfe,
A survey of the coast from Kennington Cove to
White Point was taken and finished just before my
(!) Major General Amherst entered the army in 1731, and
acted as aid-de-camp to Sir John Ligonier at the battles of Det-
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 331
brother (*) set out, and he has taken it with him.
I have no copy, but I'll order M. Bastide to have
one for you as soon as he can. A survey of the
whole I wanted to send at the same time, but what
I sent was not half finished. I have ordered one to
be taken very exactly, which is about being done.
You shall have a copy of it.
La belle saison wilt get away, indeed ! What I
wish the most to do is to go to Quebec. I have
proposed it to the admiral (2), who is the best
judge whether or no we can get up there, and
yesterday he seemed to think it impracticable.
tingen, Fontenoy, and Roucoux, and in the same capacity to the
Duke of Cumberland, at Lafeldt and Hastenbech. In 1756, he be-
came major-general, and colonel of the fifteenth regiment of foot ;
and, in the early part of this year, was selected by Mr. Pitt
to command the land forces about to be employed in the expe-
dition against Louisburgh. In 1760, he was appointed com-
mander-in-chief of the British forces in North America ; in
1772, made lieutenant-general of the ordnance; in 1776, created
Baron Amherst of Holmesdale, in the county of Kent; in
1778, appointed commander-in-chief of the land forces in
Great Britain ; in 1788, created Baron Amherst of Montreal,
in Kent, with remainder to his nephew; and in 1796, promoted
to the rank of field-marshal. He died in 1797, at the age of
eighty-one.
(') Captain William Amherst, father of the present Earl
Amherst. He afterwards became a lieutenant-general, and
adjutant-general of the forces. He died in 1781.
(2) The Hon. Edward Boscawen, third son of Hugh, first
Viscount Falmouth, and grandfather of the present Earl. In
February, he had been made admiral of the blue, and appointed
to command the naval forces sent to North America. He had
already distinguished himself at the taking of Porto Bello, at
Carthagena, and at the engagement with the French fleet off
Cape Finisterre. He died of a fever, in 1761 , in his fiftieth year.
332 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
The ships for St. John's the admiral has promised
I shall have as soon as possible. I hope to get two
ships away to Espagnolle to-morrow, and j'espere
que la garnison fera un commencement d'etre
embarquee. I dine at the admiral's to-day, and
am always
Yours, &c.
Jeff. Amherst.
MAJOR-GENERAL AMHERST TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL
WOLFE.
Camp, August 8, 1758.
Dear Wolfe,
I have your letter this morning, to which I can
say no more to you than what I have already done;
that my first intentions and hopes were, after the
surrender of Louisburgh, to go with the whole army
(except what is absolutely necessary for Louis-
burgh) to Quebec, as I am convinced 'tis the best
thing we could do, if practicable. The next were
to pursue my orders as to future operations, and
this affair unluckily happening at Ticonderoga(1),
I quitted the thoughts of the future operations
in part, as ordered, to assist Major General Aber-
crombie, by sending five or six regiments to him,
(!) The repulse of General Abercrombie, commander-in-chief
of the British forces in North America, with the loss of two
thousand men.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 333
which I told Brigadier Lawrence he should com-
mand, in case we could not go to Quebec, and
at the same time to send to the river St. John's
in the bay of Fundy, and two or three battalions
only up the river St. Lawrence.
I have proposed this to the admiral from the
day after the surrender of the town, and I am
thoroughly convinced he will not lose one moment's
time in pursuing every thing for expediting and
forwarding the service. I told the admiral I should
be glad to send away a battalion or two to the bay
of Fundy immediately ; and he will do it as soon
as he can, but says he must get some of the gar-
rison away first ; and he certainly is the best judge
of what can be done with the shipping. My
wishes are to hasten every thing for the good of
the service, and I have not the least doubt but
Mr. Boscawen will do the same. Whatever
schemes you may have, or information that you
can give, to quicken our motions, your commu-
nicating of them would be very acceptable, and
will be of much more service than your thoughts
of quitting the army j which I can by no means
agree to, as all my thoughts and wishes are con-
fined at present to pursuing our operations for
the good of his Majesty's service ; and I know
nothing that can tend more to it than your as-
sisting in it. I am, dear Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant,
Jeff. Amherst.
334f CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO MR. PITT.
(Private.)
Coesveldt, August 15, 1758.
Dear Sir,
Give me leave to return you my most sincere
thanks for Colonel Brown, who is just arrived. We
came here by excessive long marches, and four days
such a heavy rain without the least intermission,
as I never saw before. The foot were obliged to
inarch all the way up to their middles in water, and
not a dry spot to lie on at night. However, these
two last fine days have quite recovered the men,
but the horses are in a bad condition.
I found here Major-general Furstenburg with
about two thousand men. Prince Ferdinand is at a
place called Buckhalt, about twenty English miles
from this, and will be here in a day or two. At pre-
sent I know nothing of our future operations ; some
plan or other I make no doubt of the Prince's having,
to prevent our being surrounded by M. Contade's
army in our front, and Prince de Soubise in our
rear ; which, if not avoided, may be the case, should
the French repass the Rhine after us.
The moment any thing passes, or is likely to
happen, I will write again. I am, with great esteem,
Your most sincere,
and faithful humble servant,
Marlborough.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 335
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
[August 20, 1758.]
My dear Friend,
I feel most sensibly this cruel reverse, and the
loss of so many gallant men Q • but when I reflect
upon the part they have acted, I congratulate my
country and my friend on the revival of that spirit,
which in former times was so conspicuous in this
island. I think this check, my dear Pitt, affects you
too strongly. The general and the troops have done
their duty, and appear, by the numbers lost, to
have fought with the greatest intrepidity ; to have
tried all that men could do to force their way.
The commander seems broken-hearted with being
forced to a retreat.
Compare this with some former actions. There,
indeed, we had no brave men to regret ; blushes
came instead of tears, and indignation took the
place of sorrow. The same spirit that took Louis-
burgh fought this battle. The event of war is
always doubtful, and perhaps greater thanks are
due to you, my worthy friend, for the revival of
that courage which, in an unfortunate hour, has lost
some brave lives, than for the getting an easy victory
over a timid enemy. Valour was despised, America
(L) The repulse of General Abercrombie at Ticonderoga.
336 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
neglected, and you left single-handed to plead the
cause of both. Look, then, with joy upon the
fruit of your own virtue, and let not fortune de-
press a mind, the storms and factions of the worst
of times cannot shake.
If I have been tedious on this topic, impute it
to my friendship, and let me make you some
amends, by giving you the very words of part of a
letter received this morning from a young Prince,
on whom the being of this country depends. It
was on receiving the melancholy news : — "I fear
this check will prevent Abercrombie's pushing to
Crown Point (!) ; but in this, as in every thing else, I
rely entirely on Providence, and the gallant spirit of
my countrymen. Continuing to trust in that superior
help, I make no doubt, that if I mount this throne,
I shall still, by restoring the love of virtue and
religion, make this country great and happy, &c."
Adieu, my dear Pitt,
Your ever most affectionate,
Bute.
Sunday.
(!) In the following summer General Amherst, now become
commander-in-chief of the forces in America, marched, at
the head of about twelve thousand regulars and provincials,
against Crown Point and Ticonderoga. Upon Avhich, the French
abandoned the former to the British troops on the 26th of July,
and the latter on the 4th of August.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 337
THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO MR. PITT.
Coesveldt, August 18, 1758.
Sir,
I wish I may not make you detest the sight of a
letter from me, lest it should be filled with my dis-
tresses ; but who should I address myself to when
aggrieved but you, to whom I am already most
obliged ? I believe my present complaint may be
called, in some degree, a national one, though I have
the misfortune to be the person most immediately
injured. You may remember that, on Lord George
Sackville's being permitted to come with the troops
to Germany, major-generals Kilmanseg and Oberg
were made lieutenant-generals, with their commis-
sions ante-dated, lest they should be commanded
by an Englishman, whom they had formerly had
the pas of ; which did not make the least murmur
from him, or any one in the English Army.
Judge then, Sir, how I must be astonished and
afflicted to find, at my arrival here, lieutenant-
general Spoken, whom I had commanded in this
very country, just made a general of foot over my
head ! This is such a disgrace to me in the face of
the whole allied army, that I most earnestly intreat
you to lay my humble request at his Majesty's
feet, which is, that he will either be so good as to
give me a commission of general, dated from the
time I was made master-general of the ordnance,
from which moment I have, by his orders, the
vol. i. z
338 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
same honours and guards as a general, or permit
me to retire from the army, and all employments
for ever. I hope, if I am thought unworthy of
that rank personally, I may be excused, as an
Englishman, for not quite tamely submitting to so
strong a mark of the English being thought fit for
nothing, but to be cleavers of wood and drawers of
water to the Hanoverians.
If I have said any thing too strong forgive me ;
for my heart is so full and so sore, it would burst
if I was not to open it to you, whom I sincerely
esteem and honour ; and believe me to be, with
great truth,
Your most sincere and faithful
humble servant,
Marlborough.
THE RIGHT HON. GEORGE GRENVILLE TO MR. PITT.
Wotton, August 23, 1758.
I share indeed with you, my dear Pitt, in the
unhappy news contained in your last letter, nor
do I wonder at the melancholy impression it has
made upon your mind ; though I flatter myself
that, in consequence of the great force employed,
and the many various plans formed to distress the
enemy, our affairs in that part of the world still
wear a promising aspect. Some of those plans
have been attended with a success equal to our
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 339
wishes, and others of them seem to be in a pros-
perous way; notwithstanding which, this mis-
fortune must be sensibly felt.
The great number of officers and men in the
regular troops killed and wounded, and particularly
the grievous loss we have sustained in the death of
Lord Howe ('), are circumstances that would
cloud a victory, and must therefore aggravate our
concern for a repulse. I was not personally ac-
quainted with Lord Howe, but I admired his
virtuous, gallant character, and lament his loss
accordingly. I cannot help thinking it peculiarly
unfortunate for his country and his friends, that
he should fall in the first action of this war, before
his spirit and his example, and the success and
glory which, in all human probability, would have
attended them, had produced their full effect on
our own troops and those of the enemy. But, to
do justice to so many brave men as have fallen
upon this occasion, the officers and troops of that
army seem to have been animated with a zeal and
spirit that required no additional incitement. This
is a consideration which, whilst it increases our
Q) George Augustus, third Viscount Howe. This brave
officer was killed in a skirmish, in passing through a thick and
almost impenetrable wood, in which was a French party lying in
ambush. " He was," says General Abercrombie, " the first man
that fell ; and as he was, very deservedly, universally beloved
and respected throughout the whole army, it is easy to conceive
the grief and consternation his untimely fall occasioned." He
was succeeded in his title and estate by his brother, the
Commodore.
z 2
340 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
concern for this misfortune, makes us hope for
better success hereafter.
You have a melancholy task indeed, affected as
you justly are with this public and private sorrow,
to communicate the death of Lord Howe to a
brother that most tenderly loved him. No man living
could do it with so much gentleness and affection ;
with so much honour and credit, both to the dead
and to the living; and yet, perhaps a more un-
feeling hand, even that of a common express
or clerk of an office, would be less felt. Every
circumstance of praise, every honourable testi-
monial of grief and of affection, must augment his
present sense of this cruel blow.
I cannot go on with this subject, my dear Pitt;
the unhappy resemblance touches me too nearly,
and renews a pang which no time can erase.^)
I trust in God that Colonel Bradstreet will suc-
ceed^) ; and if General Amherst can proceed up
the river, this campaign may end as gloriously
as it has begun with Louisburg. We wish, most
earnestly we hope, but we do not depend upon
seeing you here; but if we do not, I shall en-
deavour to see you in London.
Adieu, my dear Pitt. I have a visitant just come
( ) Mr. Grenville alludes to the death of his brother Thomas,
who was killed in the action with the French fleet off Cape
Finisterre. See p. 23, note.
(-) On the 27th of August, Colonel Bradstreet did succeed
in taking Fort Frontenac, on Lake Ontario, and that without
the loss of a man.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 341
in, which puts me in mind that I have already writ
four sides of paper. I am ever
Your most affectionate brother,
George Grenville.
COLONEL CLIVE(') TO JOHN PAYNE, ESQ.
Calcutta, August 24, 1758.
Dear Sir,
My letters to the committee concerning the great
and happy event lately effected in this kingdom
are so very full, that any thing I can write on that
subject will be but a repetition of what is therein
contained. I must therefore refer you to them for
a particular detail of the late revolution.
I have already hinted my intention of coming
home to the committee, on account of my indiffer-
ent state of health; and I may farther add to you,
(') Afterwards Lord Clive. This letter was addressed to
the chairman of the Court of Directors of the East India
company, and by him forwarded to Mr. Pitt ; who, in the
debate on the army estimates, had burst out, according to
Horace Walpole, into an Eastern panegyric : — " There he found
Watson, Pococke, and Clive : — what astonishing success
had Watson had with only three ships, which had been laid up for
some time on land ! He did not stay to careen this, and
condemn that, but at once sailed into the body of the Ganges.
He was supported by Clive, that man, not born for a desk —
that heaven-born general, — whose magnanimity, resolution,
determination, and execution, would charm a King of Prussia,
and whose presence of mind astonished the Indies ! " — Memoirs,
vol. ii. p. 276.
z 3
342 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
Sir, it is so bad this rainy season, that nothing less
than the absolute necessity of your affairs can
induce me to stay any longer in this unhealthy
climate. Indeed, my health has been so much
affected for these two months past, I have not
been able to give that attention to your interest I
could wish. The new Subah's generosity has put
me in a condition of enjoying my native country ;
and the solicitations of all my friends here to re-
turn in the squadron is so agreeable to my own
wishes, that I should not hesitate one moment
accepting their offers, if the interest of my bene-
factors was not at stake. I do not think of leaving
Bengal till the Nabob is more firmly established in
his new kingdom. We must again take the field
in conjunction with him, sometime in October, and
march to the north as soon as he is confirmed
from Delhi, and acknowledged by the Mahrattas. I
shall then return to the coast with such a part of
the forces as may give us the superiority over our
enemies in the Carnatic.
It is with great grief of heart I see the civil
branch of your affairs carried on with so little
economy, diligence, or regularity. Want of ca-
pacity in some, and of attention in others, has left
this once flourishing settlement in a most deplor-
able condition. The great power of the mayor's
court has introduced, what is falsely called, the
spirit of liberty here ; which spirit of liberty has
degenerated into anarchy and confusion, and
been productive of profligacy and idleness. A kind
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 343
of levelling principle reigns among all the inhabi-
tants of this place. The indolence and meekness
of spirit of your present governor (J) has put him
below the meanest inhabitant of Calcutta. His
opinions, good or bad, are overruled, his orders
disobeyed, and himself despised. Without a due
subordination no government can subsist. Indeed,
Sir, strong words in paragraphs and threats of re-
sentment will be of no signification here. The most
speedy and vigorous steps must be taken by the
Company, if they mean to effect thorough reform-
ation in Bengal ; for without it, all the great ad-
vantages, so lately gained by the sword, will be again
put to the risk.
All England should be ransacked for a man of
integrity and abilities to come out as supervisor-
general; and, for fear of accident, he should have
a second, little inferior to himself. Let temptation
be put out of his reach, by confining his reward to
England, and India will become a source of riches
and grandeur to the Company and the nation.
Messieurs Manningham and Frankland are the
only men of rank here, whose diligence and
abilities can be depended upon. The integrity of
the former is proof against the strictest inquiry. I
cannot answer for his resolution. Courage is the
gift of nature, and I do not think that any civilian
can be made answerable for what was never in his
possession. The ill effects arising from want of
(!) Drake.
z 4
344 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
resolution in any of your servants in time of danger,
may easily be remedied by investing your president
and a certain number of officers with the sole
power of defending your garrisons when attacked,
and rendering them responsible for their conduct
to a general court-martial. Let it be a standing
order in all your principal settlements, that no
fortification be given up to your enemy without a
breach made, and standing one assault (a want of
provision and ammunition only excepted). In time
ofpeace, Mr.Manningham will alwaysbea credit and
honour to his employers ; in time of war, the above
restriction will leave your succeeding presidents
without a power of injuring or discrediting your
affairs.
It would give me much concern to have an
arbitrary construction, proceeding from my present
profession, put on these general remarks. My turn
of mind is so very different, and I have the liberty
of an Englishman so strongly implanted in my
nature, that I would have the civil all in all, at all
times and in all places (cases of immediate danger
excepted) ; where your principal settlements are
attacked, I would then have those who are paid
for defending your properties and estates, made
answerable for the consequences.
Be persuaded, Sir, the above are the sentiments
of one whose thoughts are upon England ; of one
made independent by the Nabob's generosity, who
has no friends or relations to serve, or any interest
to promote but that of his masters and benefactors.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 345
Captains Fowler and Macleod deserve the Com-
pany's favour, by the zeal they have shown for the
Company's interest during the present expedition.
Dear Sir, I am, with great esteem,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Robert Clive.
THE HON. GEORGE TOWNSHEND TO MR. PITT.
Bristol, August 27, 1758.
Dear Sir,
Before I enter upon the few lines of business
which occasions me now to trouble you, I cannot
omit presenting you with my warmest congratu-
lations upon the possession of Louisburg ; and I
most sincerely rejoice that you and my friend Lord
Ligonier have found officers equal to the important
and decisive work you intend for their execution.
As far as I can judge, the nation is as ready to
support, as the army is ambitious to be employed
in measures, so replete with glory and every solid
advantage to this country ; at least, that part of
mankind with which I am acquainted is thus dis-
posed. This, Sir, is a national spirit, in a great
measure of your own raising, and those who fee]
they possess it promise themselves that it will,
under your auspices, be carried to perfection, and
to the fulfilling that good work which it is ne-
cessary for the security and honour of this country
should be performed.
346 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
Mr. Howe being, as I observe from the papers,
now returned from Cherbourg — a second subject
of congratulation — and that he is preparing to
sail again, permit me to request a favour of you,
if it be intended that any thing should be under-
taken this year in those parts of France, upon
which you conferred with Mr. Annesley. You may
remember, Sir, that I solicited an audience for
him from you on this affair . (') He appeared to
me so clear and so precise in his intelligence, that
I judged him worthy of it. Your own, and the
knowledge which others may have of the disposi-
tion of the force of France at this moment, may,
together with the season of the year, determine
the propriety of this service ; but I own, such
was his description of it to me, and such is my
reliance upon the justness of that description, that
I shall think myself fortunate in being employed
upon it together with him. When I reflect upon
the detriment the enemy will receive on many
accounts, I cannot but think it will prove a very
severe blow upon them, as well as no small disap-
pointment to many scarce inferior enemies at home,
who have long assiduously affectedto discredit, from
the beginning of the year, the real utility of these
kind of services. I should be glad to be ordered to
act as colonel in the line ; but rather than not have
the honour to be upon that service, if it is now to
go forward, I shall be much obliged to you for a
letter of particular recommendation to my much
f1) See p. 323.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 347
respected old colonel, now General Blighe. I was
in his regiment, and have the honour to know him.
I own I am anxious for this service. Surely, Sir,
the penetrating as far as, permit me to say, the in-
dubitable intelligence of Mr. Annesley describes,
will be a severe blow upon France. No one will
dislike the success, but the epicures at Arthur's (1).
You never were, and I hope never will, be popular
there. If this is your object, pray do me the ho-
nour to send me on ship board, if possible not merely
as a Sir James Lowther(2), and even in that light
sooner than not at all. I beg the favour of a line
to this place, where I have been attending a very
good, sick wife.
A word more, and I'll take leave. Our returns
for Norfolk being made at last, we, with several
other willing counties, beg leave to observe, that
if the King's answer to them is delayed the whole
month, which by the act may be given in a few
days, none of us shall exercise this year. If we re-
ceive his Majesty's answer directly, you will hear
of several good battalions being formed in a month
or two. I am, Sir, with the most perfect esteem,
Your most obliged and affectionate servant,
Geo. Townshend.
(!) The club in St. James's-street.
(2) " The mode of volunteers," says Walpole, " now revived.
Sir James Lowther, master of 40,000/. a year, Lord Downe,
Sir John Armitage, and Mr. Delaval embarked with the expe-
dition against St. Maloes, — the latter gentleman so ridiculous a
character, that it put a stop to a practice which was spreading."
In 1784*, Sir James Lowther was created Earl of Lonsdale.
348 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
, THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO MR. PITT.
Dulmen, Sept. 1, 1758.
Dear Sir,
I really cannot express how much I feel myself
obliged to you for my commission as general, and
still more for your very kind letter. I have, by
this messenger, wrote to the Duke of Newcastle to
thank him for his dispatch.
Our situation at present, with the river Lippe
between us and the enemy, is such as can afford
no immediate news, yet probably may in a few
days. The French are now drawing their camp
back towards Wesel, as if they meant to repass
the Rhine, yet I cannot think they will for some
days, till Prince Soubise has joined them ; if they
do, they will leave him in a very bad situation.
We have the satisfaction here of feeling the effects
of the expedition on the coast of France ; which
has not only prevented their sending any rein-
forcement to M. Contades's army, but has actually
obliged them to recall from the Rhine eighteen
battalions and four regiments of cavalry. I am,
with great truth, dear Sir,
Your most faithful and
sincere humble servant,
Marlborough.^)
(!) The Duke did not live to share in the triumph of Minden.
A few days after this letter was written, he was seized with a
fever, and died on the 28th of, October at Munster, in West-
phalia. In 174-3, at the battle of Dettingen, he had served with
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 349
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
September 8, 1758.
Dear Sir,
I do assure you I most heartily join in the pub-
lic joy on this new proof of the great abilities, and
amazing resources of the great King of Prussia (*) ;
but this is attended with the disagreeable reflec-
tion, that at this and every other battle he has
fought, all was at stake. Thank heaven 'tis not so
with the true palladium of this country, our naval
power. That depends not on the precarious event
of one action : that, properly managed, under a
Prince that knows its consequence, will ever keep
Britain formidable without impoverishing it, and
prove a surer means of humbling France, than any
other whatever. I make no doubt of General El-
liot doing his duty as an officer. With regard to
Clerk, I know him well : he must be joined to a
general in whom he has confidence, or not thought
of. Never was man so cut out for bold and hardy en-
distinction; in 1749, was appointed lord-steward of the house-
hold; in 1755, keeper of the privy-seal ; and, in the same year,
master-general of the ordnance. He became Duke of Marlbo-
rough in 1733, as heir to his mother, the daughter and co-heiress
of John Churchill, the first duke ; and was grandfather of the
present. Smollett describes him as having been " brave beyond
all question, generous to profusion, and good-natured to excess."
(') The defeat of the Russians at Zorndoff, on the 25th of
August. The battle lasted from nine in the morning till ten at
night.
350 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
terprises ; but the person who commands him must
think in the same way of him, or the business of
Rochefort will return. (') I ever am, dear Sir,
Most affectionately yours, &c.
Bute.
M. D'ABREU TO MR. PITT.
Soho Square, ce lle Septembre, 1758.
Monsieur,
Je me suis appei*9U depuis quelque temps, que
j'ai eu le malheur de perdre les bonnes graces de
S. M. B. Je souhaiterois de me tromper dans ma
croyance, mais le fait n'est que trop veritable.
M'ayant presente a la cour differentes semaines
de suite, ce Monarque, bien loin de me continuer
l'honneur qu'il me faisoit de me parler, m'evite et
me fuit a la vue de tous, addressant meme sa pa-
role royale a ceux qui sont a cote de moi, et ayant
tout Pair de me mortifier de propos delibere. Les
ininistres etrangers l'ont remarque, et m'ont in-
terroge le motif; mais je n'ai pas S9U satisfaire leur
curiosite. Je souhaite qu'ils ne croient pas qu'il
y a de la mauvaise intelligence entre les deux
cours.
Quoique un ministre d'Espagne fasse mauvaise
(!) On the 15th, intelligence was received of the defeat of
the British forces under the command of General Blighe, at St.
Cas, with the loss of six hundred men killed and wounded, and
four hundred prisoners.
1758 THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 351
figure en se presentant a la cour sur ce pied, et
a plus forte raison quand tous ceux qui ont ete
de la part de S. M. B. aupres du Roi mon maitre
ont ete traites avec la plus grande distinction, je
n'ai pas manque de continuer a y aller, a fin de
marquer mon respect et ma veneration pour ce Mo-
narque.
Peutetre que des gens desesperes ou mal inten-
tionnes auront donne contre moi des sinistres in-
sinuations, pour me mettre mal dans l'esprit de
S. M. B. Si cela est, il faut que j'ai bien du mal-
heur, puisque ma conduite ne le merite pas. J'ai
toujours fait profession d'agir avec la probite, que
j'ai regu par mon education : j'ai ete estime et
repute tel dans tous les pays ou j'ai reside, et je
n'ai rien fait en Angleterre qui puisse dementir
cette opinion. Avec cette tranquillite d'esprit
que donne la probite, et devant quitter ce pays a
l'arrivee du Comte de Fuentes (1), tout autre a ma
place prendroit avec moins de chagrin et de peine
cet incident; mais je suis trop delicat, et trop ja-
loux de ma reputation, pour me montrer insensible
aux calomnies.
J'ai cru, Monsieur, devoir rompre le silence et
ecrire a V. E. sur cette matiere, la priant de vou-
loir bien faire l'usage qu'elle jugera a propos de cette
lettre ; mais en meme temps de se servir de son
contenu, pour detruire dans l'esprit de S. M. B.
(') On the 30th of May, the King of Spain had appointed the
Comte de Fuentes, ambassador to the court of England.
352 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
toutes les sinistres et fausses insinuations que mes
ennemis aient pu donner contre moi.
Sije m'addresse aV.E. a ce sujet, c' est pour
deux raisons ; la premiere, parcequ' ayant l'hon-
neur d'appartenir a son departement, c'est de droit
que je l'informe d'une affaire qui ne laisse que
d'avoir quelque de ministeriale ; mais la seconde
et plus principale, parceque je ne saurois confier
une affaire de cette nature et de cette importance a
une autre personne que V. E., dont les sentimens
d'honneur et de probite sont aussi bien connus
dans les pays etrangers, qu'ils le sont en Angle-
terre. J'ajouterai meme, que je suis encourage a
cette demarche par les bontes dont V. E. m'ho-
nore, et que je lui prie de me continuer ; etant avec
le plus grand respect, Monsieur, de V. E.
le tres humble et
tres obeissant serviteur,
D'Abreu.
WILLIAM BECKFORD, ESQ., TO MR. PITT.
Fonthill, Sept. 11, 1758.
Dear Sir,
I should not have troubled you with this letter,
could I have done myself the honour of waiting
on you as soon as I intended ; but particular busi-
ness prevents my leaving this place for some
time. This last action of the King of Prussia is
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 353
glorious indeed. His enemies had almost sur-
rounded him, and drove him into their toils, and
nothing but the greatest good conduct, supported
by an equal degree of courage, could have extri-
cated him out of such difficulties. We have now
reason to hope a happy issue of this campaign.
Such events as these should, and I hope will, raise
our ardour. France is our object, perfidious
France : reduce her power, and Europe will be at
rest. This cannot be done in any other way than
by destroying those resources from whence she
draws money to bribe Germany and the northern
powers against their own interest.
I mentioned in my last an attempt to the south-
ward, which I am sure will succeed under a wise
and active general, one who shall not delight in
calling councils of war — such an one as Amherst
has shown himself. Whatever is attempted in that
climate must be done uno impetu ; a general must
fight his men off directly, and not give them time
to die by drink and disease ; which has been the
case in all our southern expeditions, as I can testify
by my own experience, having been a volunteer in
the last war. The island I mentioned has but one
town of strength : take that, and the whole country
is yours ; all the inhabitants must submit for want
of food, for they live from hand to mouth, and
have not victuals to support themselves and nu-
merous slaves for one month, without a foreign
supply. The negroes and stock of that island are
worth above four millions sterling, and the conquest
VOL. I. A A
354) CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
easy ; as I can explain, when I have the pleasure
of seeing you. For God's sake, attempt it with-
out delay and noise ; as you may do by a force
from the northward. Fix your rendezvous at one of
our own islands in the neighbourhood, where you
may find pilots, procure intelligence, and may be
furnished with negroes in any quantity, to do the
drudgery of a camp. T^erbum sat sapienti; but to
such a one as yourself, half a word is sufficient.
Adieu, dear Sir, and believe me to be, as I really am,
Your ever faithful and
affectionate humble servant,
Will. Beckford.
LORD BARRINGTON TO MR. PITT.
Beckett, September 20. 1758.
Dear Sir,
There are lying in the war office orders for two
hundred draughts from the three new regiments
under General Blighe; viz. Wolfe's, Lambton's, and
Richmond's ; but I have ordered that they shall
not be sent till Mr. Tyrwhitt, my deputy, hears
from you, as some changes may have happened
since I left town, with relation to the disposition
then made.
I am very sorry for the brave officers and men
whom we have lost ; but I reckon the prisoners as
our own again already, because we can imme-
diately exchange them for part of the garrison of
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 355
Louisburg, which comes home very opportunely
for that purpose. I shall be in town on Saturday
or Sunday, and I hope to have the honour of re-
ceiving your commands at court on Monday. If
I am wanted sooner I will come up at a moment's
warning.
The more I consider the new expedition, the
more uneasy I am that new corps only or even
chiefly should be depended on for its success ; espe-
cially those which have never been out of England.
My brother's (l), which is the strongest and the best
of them, and which has had better opportunities of
learning the business of soldiers than the others, has
never had four hundred men under arms at a time ;
because great detachments were continually made
from Chatham camp, for guarding prisoners, &c.
The draughts from various corps with which these
regiments are to be made up are always the worst
men in the army, and it requires time to incor-
porate them well. I have also observed, that raw
soldiers just raised are less able to bear the sea, or
different climates, or to go through their new busi-
ness, than men who have been accustomed some
time to the army. They resemble horses brought
out of a farmer's team, who cannot bear travelling
at first, though they are strong and healthy, and go
to plough or cart excellently well. If some old
regiments cannot be obtained, I wish some of the
new ones, which have been on the expedition,
(') The Hon. John Wildman, major-general in the army, and
colonel of the 8th regiment of foot. He died in 1764.
A A 2
356 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
might be sent, if it were only to show the others
how to embark and disembark, to which they have
been much used this summer. For the like reason it
would be useful that some of the ships of Lord
Howe's squadron were sent.
Pardon, dear Sir, these hints. It is my duty to
give them to you, but I neither have talked or shall
talk in the same way to others, knowing well that
all which is right is not practicable. I am, with
the greatest truth and respect.
Most faithfully yours,
Barrington.
P.S. When the King has fixed on the old regiment
which is to go, Lord Ligonier should give it a
hint to get in readiness, otherwise a day or two
will be lost by my being here. If my lord likes
that the order should go through the War-office,
I hope he will send directions accordingly to Mr.
Tyrwhitt.
SIR JOSEPH YORKE TO MR. PITT.
Hague, September 22. 1758.
Sir,
The different accounts the Princess Royal has
had, as well from M. Hop (!) as from several
other persons, and from the reports I have had
(') Lieutenant-general Hop, Dutch envoy -extraordinary at
the court of London.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 357
the honour to make to her of the obliging and
friendly part you had acted in the releasing of the
Surinam ships (*), has made her Royal Highness
insist upon my troubling you with this letter, in
order to convey to you directly her very particular
acknowledgments for this convincing proof of your
regard for her family, and the union between the
two nations.
The situation her Royal Highness was in, on
account of the unfortunate disputes between England
and Holland, and which she so circumstantially
submitted to the judgment of his Majesty and his
servants, was so critical and embarrassing, that
without their kind and speedy intervention, every
thing might have been thrown into the utmost
confusion, and this country severed, for a time,
from its true and natural interest ; which the mis-
fortunes of the times and the force of a party had
(') For some time, the Dutch had carried on a considerable
traffic, not only in taking the fair advantages of their neutrality,
but also in supplying the French with naval stores, and trans-
porting the produce of the French sugar colonies to Europe, as
carriers hired by the proprietors. The English government, in-
censed at this unfair commerce, issued orders for the cruizers to
arrest all ships of neutral powers, that should have French pro-
perty on board ; and these orders were executed with rigour
and severity. A great number of Dutch ships were taken, and
condemned as legal prizes ; and sometimes the owners met with
hard measure. Smollett says, that the princess spared no pains
to adjust the differences between the two countries, and that
her healing counsels were of great efficacy in preventing
matters from coming to extremities.
A A 3
358 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
very near effectuated. At present, her Royal High-
ness flatters herself that expedients may be found
to heal our differences, and to obtain, on the one
hand, some satisfaction for England in points es-
sential to their security and interest, whilst the
republic, on the other, may be secured from those
grievances which appear too well-founded, and
which well-meaning people in both countries wish
to be set right.
Her Royal Highness is persuaded that your
candour, your zeal for the protestant interest, as
well as your attachment to every branch of his
Majesty's royal family (1), will secure to her your
further support and assistance in the prosecution of
this necessary work ; the completing of which will
strengthen her hands, and enable her to be of more
service hereafter to that cause she wishes so well
to, and in which you, Sir, have acted so steady and
honourable a part.
Give me leave to take this opportunity, which
the executing of her Royal Highness's orders gives
(') The Princess Anne, eldest daughter of George II. In
1734, she was married to the Prince of Orange. Upon which
occasion Horace Walpole relates, that the King, after he had
chosen him for his son-in-law, being perfectly aware of the
prince's great deformity, could not help, in the honesty of his
heart and the coarseness of his expression, apprising the princess
how hideous a bridegroom she was to expect, and even giving
her permission to refuse him. She replied, that she would marry
him if he were a baboon. " Well then," said the King, " there
is baboon enough for you." On the death of the prince in Octo-
ber 1751, the administration of the government devolved upon
the princess, as governante during her son's minority.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 359
me, to return you my most humble thanks for the
distinguished favour and indulgence you were
pleased to show me when I was last in England.
I should be very unhappy to do any thing which
could in any degree lessen that partiality you had
the goodness to express for me, and which it will
be one of the greatest points of my ambition to
deserve the continuance of. Every body knows,
that zeal and assiduity in the service of our King
and country are the surest way to your favour;
and it is upon that foundation I shall endeavour
to merit it, as well as by seizing every opportunity
of proving the unfeigned respect and veneration
with which I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obliged, most obedient,
most devoted humble servant,
Joseph Yorke.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO EARL TEMPLE.
Newcastle House, September 28. 1758.
My dear Lord,
I received, on Thursday last, the honour of your
Lordships letter of the 19th, and should have
answered it sooner, but that I was willing to have
some conversation with Mr. Pitt upon the subject
of it.
I must begin with returning my most sincere
thanks for the goodness and friendship which you
express for me, in every part of the letter. I have
a a 4
360 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
had too many proofs of it to entertain the least
doubt about it ; I only wish it were in my power
to make a suitable return. I shall always en-
deavour to do it whenever it is. I know the
frankness and sincerity of your heart, and there-
fore I am sure your Lordship will not dislike my
laying before you, very truly, all that I know
relating to that which is the immediate object of
your letter.
I cannot avoid, in the first place, expressing my
concern at the situation which your Lordship hints
at in your letter. Were it in my power to remove
or alter it, I am sure you do me the justice to
think I should employ all my best endeavours for
that purpose. As to the two vacant garters (')» I
do not in the least know for whom the King may
design them. I should think, in the present cir-
cumstances, if Prince Ferdinand can and will
accept of one, he will undoubtedly have it. My
Lord Holdernesse, who has now been secretary of
state near eight years, asked the King for the
garter so long ago as 1752, when my Lord Lincoln
had one, and either then or since has certainly re-
ceived favourable answers from his Majesty. There
has been one creation since of four, and a remark-
able one, last year, of my Lord Waldegrave only.
I must do my Lord Holdernesse the justice to say,
that his behaviour at a certain time, which neither
your Lordship nor I can disapprove, was I am afraid
(') By the death of the Duke of Marlborough and the Earl
of Carlisle.
1758.
THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 361
one great cause of his disappointment^1) He will
think it hard to be disappointed a second time, and
especially from one quarter. Long before I had
the happiness of being connected with your Lordship
in the manner I am now, and I believe at a time
when there was not much appearance of it, my
friend, the Marquis of Rockingham, asked this
honour himself of the King, and had a gracious
answer. Your Lordship may imagine that then, in
those circumstances, and ever since, from the
strong part which my Lord Rockingham took the
last year with us, I could not refuse his Lordship
my good wishes, and any little assistance that was
in my power.
This, therefore, is my situation ; I lament it now
extremely, as it may make it more difficult for me
to do, what otherwise I should most zealously,
employ any little credit I may have to promote
what your Lordship wishes. But, was that out of
the question, I own I should fear there would be
great difficulties in this affair at present. I will lay
the whole before my Lady Yarmouth, who has,
upon all occasions, showed her desire to support
the present connected administration, and I am
sure would be glad particularly to show her re-
gard for your Lordship. I feel myself under diffi-
culties, and consequently under great uneasiness.
I have great obligations to your Lordship, for the
(') His resignation of office in 1757, without giving the
King the least previous notice. — See Waldegrave's Memoirs,
p. 120.
362 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
many marks of your friendship ; I know your good-
ness of heart will feel for me, with regard to
others, who have also laid me under great obli-
gations to them.
I am, with the greatest sincerity, respect, and
affection, my dear Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
Holles Newcastle.
EARL TEMPLE TO MR. PITT.
Stowe, October 1. 1758.
My dear Pitt,
The warmth and ardour with which you are
used to enter into all my desires, instead of tempt-
ing me to make you a party in my present business
(the true motives to which George has already told
you), has been my principal motive so industriously
to keep you out of it. In every other light I
should have courted your advice and asked your
assistance. If any thing new occurs, be so good as
to send your letter to my house, with orders to
forward it to me by the first carrier or privy-seal
express.
My kind love, with that of the brotherhood and
sister, to you and Lady Hester, and believe me,
ever most affectionately,
Your loving brother,
Temple.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 363
More I do not write. The sage Mr. James, when
he comes to town, as he knows my ivhole heart,
will open to you every spring of it ; though he
cannot add any thing, I think, to what you have
been told already by the other sage. Pray be so
good as to let me have again his Grace's letter.
MR. PITT TO EARL TEMPLE.
Monday, 4 o'clock. [Oct. 2. 1758.]
My dear Lord,
I am just returned from Kensington, and have
the pleasure to find the packet left by your Lord-
ship's servant. Whether the letter, whereof there
is a copy, had reached his Grace when I saw him
to-day I know not, but he has not uttered a
syllable to me on the matter in question ever since
he read to me his answer to your Lordship, which
I send back herewith. What passed between his
Grace and me on that occasion Mr. James will
have related.
Ten thousand thanks, my dear Lord, for taking
the unnecessary trouble to give me at all the
motives of your silence to me on this business ;
and ten thousand more for the kindness and
affectionate nature of those motives. Lady Hester
claims warmly her place in this hasty letter, and
we jointly offer kind love and compliments, a tutti
3C4 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
quanti, brothers and sisters. I am ever most af-
fectionately, dear Lord Temple's loving brother,
W. Pitt.
I will not fail to acquaint your Lordship of any
new occurrence in the measure mentioned. (')
THE EARL OF BRISTOL TO MR. PITT.
(Private.)
Madrid, Monday, October 9. 1758.
Sir,
The Duke of Savoy (2), in my last audience,
having recommended to me to assist in placing
one of his sisters upon this throne (for the late
Queen (3) was then known to be given over), I told
M. Wall what had passed with his Royal Highness
upon that subject. I gave true characters of those
three deserving princesses; but I said that I men-
tioned this only as a private business ; for I had no
instructions from my court upon it. I find the
ministry will, at the time they solicit his Catholic
Majesty to marry, leave him to his own choice,
(*) The two vacant garters were ultimately given to Prince
Ferdinand and the Marquis of Rockingham.
(-) Charles Emanuel. He had succeeded to the dukedom on
the abdication of his father in 1730.
(3) Daughter of John V. of Portugal. Her Majesty died on
the 27th of August, without issue.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 365
unless he ask their advice. Then they will lay
before their royal master the different matches
that are proper at this time. M. Wall said, that
the Catholic King was strongly inclined to the
house of Savoy, but that if a princess was brought
from Turin, it must be a young one^1)
I am, with great truth and respect, Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Bristol.
THOMAS POTTER, ESQ., TO MR. PITT.
Prior Park, October 25. 1758.
Dear Sir,
Your cordial letter gave* me strength and spirits
to read it ; it was, indeed, a cordial in every sense
of the word ; but nothing can give me the power
of expressing how much I owe to your and Lady
Hester's friendship and goodness. Painful as life
(!) Ferdinand, so far from selecting a young princess for a
second wife, was so deeply affected with the loss of his first,
that he renounced all company and neglected all business,
immuring himself in a chamber at Villa Viciosa, where he gave
loose to the most extravagant sorrow. He abstained from food
and rest, would not allow his beard to be shaved, and rejected
every attempt at consolation. The violence of his grief soon
produced an incurable malady, \mder which he lingered till the
10th of August in the following year, when he expired. By his
will, he appointed his brother Don Carlos, King of Naples,
successor to the crown of Spain, and nominated the Queen
Dowager regent, until his arrival.
366 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
is become to me, I would struggle hard to continue
it, if I could hope to answer any part of the debt I
owe you ; but this is impossible, and I feel myself
reduced to the distressful state of being miserable
in myself, and an object of constant anxiety to
those I love. Yet this is not the worst. My
doctor (Barry of Dublin) whom I think a sensible
man, tells me this must yet continue for years ; and
by way of flattering me, condemns me to walk on
the earth a useless load to others, and a wretched
being to myself.
I have been obliged to renounce the project in
Bedfordshire, by which I have renounced an
establishment for my son ; for to him I should
have resigned at the general election, depending
for myself on the friendship of my good host, who
is more to me than a father. This you will think
is some disappointment ; yet it is the less, as my
place at Oakhampton would not, it seems, have
been rilled (as I trusted it would) by one of your
name and family. That name I must honour
while I live. Feeble as my voice is, it shall ex-
press my reverence and affection, and it would be
glorious to me, if my last breath could give a
public testimony of my attachment to you.
Your most faithful,
Thomas Potter. C1)
(!) Mr. Potter died at Ridgmont, in Bedfordshire, on the
17th of June, in the following year.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 367
LORD GEORGE SACKVILLE TO MR. PITT.
Munster, November 11. 1758.
Dear Sir,
I had the honour of your letter, at the same
time I received my commission for commanding
the troops here. (*) I must confess, notwithstand-
ing the deference I shall always have to your
advice, that I felt hurt and disappointed at the
alterations made in the instructions, especially as
I know it was expected here, by some who have
the best private court intelligence, that something
marking personal disapprobation would happen
upon this occasion. However, I should be blamed
by you, after what you have said, if I declined
undertaking this command. If difficulties arise
in the course of it, from a notion prevailing among
the troops, that I have not the necessary favour
and support, I then hope I may expect your
assistance and friendship in obtaining leave for me
quietly to retire from it.
I have endeavoured to express what I feel upon
this event in my letter to Lord Holdernesse, with
that duty and respect to the King as may give him
as little offence as possible. Now, give me leave
to thank you in the strongest manner for having
endeavoured to obtain this command for me with-
(') Upon the death of the Duke of Marlborough, on the 28th
of October, the command of the British forces in the army of
Prince Ferdinand devolved on Lord George Sackville ; between
whom and the Prince, there was understood to be little cordiality.
368 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
out the least disagreeable circumstance attending
it. I am really concerned that my friends are to
be so often troubled on my account. I have the
satisfaction of finding that, as far as relates to
Prince Ferdinand, I shall meet with no difficulty
whatever. His attention and goodness to me,
since our first joining the army, has been so
particular, that I shall always look upon it as an
honour to me ; and his expressions upon my re-
ceiving the commission were most flattering, so
that, upon the whole, I may compound for a little
ill-humour at home.
The fine weather we have lately had is very
fortunate, since we are obliged to continue en-
camped. The French army is still at Ham and
Lugnen, though they pretend to say that several
regiments of cavalry and much baggage has been
out to Wesel and Dusseldorf. The Prince does
not yet know whether they mean to leave a body
of troops on this side the Rhine or not. As far as I
can judge, he rather thinks there will be a canton-
ment between the Rhine and the Roer, for the
support of the Prince de Soubise's army, but indeed
his intelligence seems very contradictory upon that
subject ; a few days now must show the real inten-
tions of the enemy.
The Duke of Newcastle is very properly alarmed
at the immense expense of the contracts for forage,
&c. in this country. It is really shameful ; but the
King, as elector, is as ill-served as we have been.
I have taken the liberty of saying a good deal upon
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 369
the subject to his Grace ; and till we oblige the
countries we are in possession of to furnish certain
quantities of forage at the rate the general pleases
to fix, we never can go on with the smallest
appearance of economy. The French take this
method, and so does every other power ; but
those employed by his Majesty have thought either
that the forage was not to be had, or that it would
be more agreeable to him to raise contributions in
money. They have accordingly fixed this bishopric
pretty high ; but in the long run they will pay at
least three times more by paying the exorbitant
prices they have hitherto done for forage. At the
same time, the country has been ill-treated, and
contrary to stipulation ; for upon paying the con-
tribution, the army was to have been supplied from
magazines. The commissariat could not find hay for
the troops, so under that pretext we have been
obliged to forage the country, and the peasants
have been cruelly pillaged ; for if you once give
an army leave to provide for itself, it is difficult to
confine them to the taking only what is allowed,
or necessary for its support. You cannot conceive
how much the discipline of the army in general has
suffered by this management. I have not spoken
quite so plain to the Duke of Newcastle, as I did
not choose to say any thing upon the head of con-
tributions. I shall be very happy if I have leave to
pay my respects to you in London. I am, dear Sir,
Your faithful humble servant,
Geo. Sackville.
vol. I. B B
370 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WOLFE TO MR. PITT.
St. James's Street, November 22, 1758.
Sir,
Since my arrival in town, I have been told that
your intentions were to have continued me upon
the service in America. The condition of my
health and other circumstances made me desire to
return at the end of the campaign, and by what my
Lord Ligonier did me the honour to say, I under-
stood it was to be so. General Amherst saw it in
the same light.
I take the freedom to acquaint you, that I
have no objection to serving in America, and
particularly in the river St. Lawrence, if any
operations are to be carried on there. The favour
I ask is only to be allowed a sufficient time to
repair the injury done to my constitution by the
long confinement at sea, that I may be the better
able to go through the business of the next summer.
I have the honour to be, with the utmost respect,
Sir, your most obedient,
and most humble servant,
Jam. Wolfe. (')
(J) A few days after this letter was written, Wolfe was
promoted to the rank of major-general, and placed at the head
of the forces destined to act against Quebec.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 371
THE EARL OF BRISTOL TO MR. PITT.
(Private.)
Madrid, November — , 1758.
Sir,
I seize on the earliest opportunity of returning
you my sincere thanks for the honour of your very
obliging private letter of the 13th of October,
which I received by the last post, and of assuring
you how proud I am of the friendly sentiments
that are contained in it.
The Conde de Fuentes, to whom I translated
what concerned him, has desired me to offer you his
best thanks and respects, and to say how sincerely
impatient he is to be known to you, as well as am-
bitious of deserving the good opinion of one for
whom he has the greatest esteem. I have en-
deavoured to do you justice, Sir, by acquainting
not only the Conde but the Spanish ministers here,
that a true zeal for the service of your country
and for the general good of Europe, was the
motive which influenced all your actions.
It is not possible to give any guess when the
Conde can receive his instructions, since it is
necessary for the Catholic King to sign them.
M. Wall is very uneasy at not being able to dispatch
them, and to recall at the same time the Marquis
d'Abreu. I cannot name M. Wall, without ac-
quainting you, Sir, that nothing can surpass the
cordiality and confidence with which he treats me ;
BB 2
372 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
but I have had the strongest proofs of both, since
I have seen him alone ; for at the beginning of
my being in this country Colonel de Cosne always
followed me into his closet when I was sent for,
and the single time I perceived M. Wall the least
moved, when upon the subject of our privateers,
was when Colonel de Cosne took the lead in the
discourse whilst I was present, and occasioned the
Spanish minister's expressing himself to him, but
not to me, with the warmth I mentioned in one of
my public letters. As I had a mind to try my own
ground, I that day let his Majesty's secretary of
the embassy play the principal part which he had
begun ; and by seldom joining with him, but which
I did sometimes, not to make my silence too re-
markable, I drew not the least harsh term upon
myself. Since that time I have always gone into
the closet alone ; and if Colonel de Cosne had
persevered in accompanying me, it was settled by
M. Wall, through the Conde de Fuentes, that he
was to come on extraordinary days, and meet me
by myself half way between Villa Viciosa and
Madrid.
I hope, Sir, you will not disapprove of my
determining not to content myself with the name
of the King's ambassador, and of my resolu-
tion to be so in reality. I have, for that reason,
not suffered even one of the office letters I have
written to M. Wall, to be penned by any other
than myself, although Colonel de Cosne had offered
me for my signing two he had drawn up ; but I
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 373
think I should be wanting in my duty to the King,
and to those whom I am indebted to for my pro-
motion, not to let it be seen what I am capable of
doing. If I am not fit for this post, I ought not to
be employed in this important kingdom. I am
responsible for every part of his Majesty's business
which passes through my hands, and I will act to
the best of my judgment, without a coadjutor. I
have nothing of a pecuniary advantage in view
which makes me desire to continue in the way of
life I have chosen. I own I have a sincere desire
of rendering so essential a service to my country,
as that of promoting a union and settling a good
correspondence between the two crowns, so neces-
sary for their mutual benefit. I can at the same
time feel the unpleasantness of Colonel de Cosne's
situation. It is disagreeable, after having played
even what was known to be only a temporary first
part, to move afterwards in a second sphere, es-
pecially with one who is determined to act for
himself. From all that M. Wall has said to me, I
flatter myself, Sir, you will find things take a dif-
ferent turn between both courts from what they
have had for almost the last two years ; particularly
when the Conde de Fuentes can have the ad-
vantage of negociating with you.
I beg of you, Sir, to forgive this long letter. You
may judge of my entire confidence in you, by the
manner in which I have opened myself. As I
mean nothing but what I think is right, I shall never
apprehend to disclose my thoughts to one of your
b b 3
37^ CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
judgment and of your candour. Believe me, Sir,
I honour and esteem you most sincerely. The
more I know of you from my own experience, the
more I have observed of your manner of acting, in
power as well as out of employment, the more I
am ambitious of the title of your friend ; which, if
you honour me with the name of, you will ever
find me most gratefully, as I shall ever be most
respectfully, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Bristol.
LORD GEORGE SACKVILLE TO THE EARL OF
HOLDERNESSE.
Munster, December 7, 1758.
My dear Lord,
I rejoice to hear of your recovery. Why
would you write to me when it was in the least
inconvenient to you? I thank you for your in-
tentions of getting me leave to go to England,
when you found it proper to propose it to his
Majesty. Had you sent it to me conditionally, I
should certainly not have made use of it impro-
perly. In that you do me justice: you are the best
judge when to ask it. We are at present in perfect
tranquillity, and I see nothing likely to disturb it.
I could now wish I was at liberty to set out, as I
think in three or four days I can be of no im-
mediate use here. I fancy at least I could do
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 375
some good in England, in regard to our future
proceedings : but I shall say no more upon a sub-
ject that must be determined by this time.
We are in no small difficulty about subsisting in
this ruined country ; I mean not in regard to
forage particularly. The States really do their
utmost, but the arrangements of the commissariat
are not the most able or satisfactory. Prince
Ferdinand was sensible of your politeness in or-
dering me to make your excuses to him for not
writing with your own hand ; indeed, all attentions
of that sort are well bestowed upon him. He is
very happy in hearing of the transactions of the
first day of the session. I had some little account
of what passed in the House of Commons, and I ex-
plained it to him as well as I could, and he is satis-
fied that proper care will be taken of his army. (')
I am glad you approve of my accepting the
commission in the manner I did. I should be un-
happy if upon that or any other occasion I met
with your disapprobation. I hope soon to see you
and thank you for your repeated goodness to me.
I am, my dear Lord,
Your faithful humble servant,
George Sackville.
(') In the addresses of both Houses, Prince Ferdinand was
commended by name. " The parliament," writes Walpole to
Sir Horace Mann, " is all harmony : Pitt provoked, called for,
defied objections ; promised enormous expense, demanded never
to be judged by events. Universal silence left him arbiter of his
own terms. In short, at present he is absolute master, and if he
can coin twenty millions, may command them." — Vol. iii. p. 284.
B B 4
376 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
WILLIAM BECKFORD ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
Fonthill, December 18, 1758.
Dear Sir,
I have taken the liberty to enclose these few
lines under cover to my agent Captain Thomas
Collett, lest the curiosity of impertinent people
should open my letter, if directed to the secretary
of state. Ever since I arrived at this place I have
been constantly ruminating on our present situation,
and am confident we have it in our power to put
an end in one campaign to the war in North
America, by undertaking, as soon as the season
will permit, the siege of Quebec, with a sufficient
number of men and a good train of artillery, under
able and zealous engineers. If this be done, I will
venture my head the conquest will be found as easy
as that of Louisburgh ; for the navigation of the
river St. Lawrence is very open, and practicable at
a proper season ; and if I mistake not, every
blundering French navigator ventures up as far
as the island of Orleans without a pilot, and we
can have as many as we want, in case we look out
in time.
While the siege of Quebec is undertaking, a
large body of provincials mixed with some regulars
should remain at Fort William Henry on Lake
George, within thirty miles of Ticonderoga, in
order to bridle that garrison, and prevent their
goingto the assistance of Quebec; and small parties,
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 377
of eight or ten men each, may be detached from
Fort William Henry, to watch the motions of the
French, and give timely notice, if any thing is to
be attempted against Crown Point.
After Quebec is taken, Montreal is to be at-
tempted. It is but a hundred miles distant, and
water carriage for vessels of a hundred and fifty tons
burthen the whole distance ; by which means the
fatigue of marching in a rugged or woody country
will be avoided. This has been unfortunately the
case in all our late fruitless attempts ; when, if
success had attended our undertakings, nothing
decisive would have been the consequence; but we
must in the end, after all our expense of men and
money, have been obliged to have ended where
we ought to have begun. By taking of Quebec and
Montreal, the two great heads of Canada and of
the French power in North America are destroyed;
and consequently the limbs of that body must
wither and decay without any farther fighting.
And thus you will make an end of the war in North
America, and for ever establish the good opinion
mankind have of your abilities and public spirit.
Dear Sir, let no persuasion or plausible reason
determine you to leave the plan of operations by
the river St. Lawrence. To go by the lakes, through
wild and almost inaccessible forests, has already
proved dangerous, tedious, and expensive, will
prolong the war, and at the same time enrich
your commanders and contractors. What is more,
we have seen that our regulars do not fight
378 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
well in woods ; the Indian yell is horrid to their
ears, and soon throws them into confusion. If
France had the superiority at sea we now enjoy,
they would not leave us a single province or colony
in all North and South America. There is a brave,
gallant officer, by name Winslow, who has acted as
general in North America, and done signal service.
This man is in England, and is only a captain on
half pay. I wish you would think of him : he
might furnish you with useful hints.
If I had not tired your patience, I would hint
some ideas that occur to me, concerning the island
of Corsica ; but I am sure you are as much fatigued
with reading as I am with writing. I shall there-
fore bid you adieu, being, dear Sir,
Most faithfully and affectionately yours,
W. Beckford.
MAJOR-GENERAL WOLFE TO MR. PITT.
Bath, December 24, 1758.
Sir,
In a packet of letters from North America there
are two which contain some interesting circum-
stances, as they throw light upon the state of men's
minds in those parts. They are a confirmation to
me of the thorough aversion conceived by the
marine of this country against navigating in the
river St. Lawrence. The letters are from two
gentlemen recommended to act as assistant quarter-
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 379
masters-general, and do, in some measure, point
out the hardy, active disposition of the men.
I will add, from my own knowledge, that the
second naval officer (*) in command there, is vastly
unequal to the weight of business ; and it is of the
first importance to the country, that it doth not
fall into such hands. Mr. Caldwell, in autumn,
proposed to attempt bringing off the pilots from
the Isle aux Coudres, after the French fleet came
down, or was supposed to be come down the
river. The seeming danger of the enterprise and
other causes put a stop to so great an under-
taking.
What Caldwell observes, in regard to the fleets
anchoring at the Isle Bic, is certainly very proper.
A squadron of eight or ten sail stationed there, in
the earliest opening of the river, would effectually
prevent all relief; and it would be a very easy
thing for the remainder of that squadron to push a
frigate or two, and as many sloops, up the river,
even as high as the Isle of Orleans, with proper
people on board to acquire a certain knowledge of the
navigation, in readiness to pilot such men of war and
transports as the commanders should think fit to
send up, after the junction of the whole fleet at
the Isle Bic. Nor does there appear any great risk
in detaching the North American squadron to that
station ; as it is hardly probable that a force equal
to that squadron could be sent from Europe to
force their way up to Quebec, because it is a
(') Admiral Durell.
380 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
hundred to one if such a fleet keeps together in
that early season ; and if they were together, it is
next to a certainty that they would be in a very
poor condition for action : besides, it would ef-
fectually answer our purpose to engage a French
squadron in that river, even with the superiority
of a ship or two on their side ; seeing that they
must be shattered in the engagement, and in the
end destroyed.
What Caldwell says of Jallen and Normand(')
may be right for his project, but in the spring such
an attempt will be extremely hazardous, from cir-
cumstances that I am well acquainted with, and
therefore doubtless it will be thought best to keep
what we have got ; the more especially as no steps
are taken there to increase the number of pilots, nor
care to preserve such as we were possessed of. This
same Caldwell offered likewise to establish himself
early at Mont Louis, with forty or fifty men and four
or five whale boats, where he would lay in wait
for every thing that went up or down the river,
and catch fishermen and Indians for pilots, and
know what ships came from Europe, before our
squadron gets within the river.
If the enemy cannot pass the squadron stationed
in the river and push up to Quebec, a few ships
of war and frigates would do to convey the
transports from the Isle Bic to Quebec, and to
assist in the operation of the campaign, and, in
this case, the gross of the fleet remaining at the Isle
(') Two pilots.
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 381
Bic is at band to prevent any attempt upon Louis-
burgh or Halifax ; whereas, if the whole went up
to Quebec, intelligence would be long in getting
to them, and their return in proportion.
You must excuse the freedom I have taken,
both in writing and sending the enclosed papers. If
you see one useful hint in either, my intent is
fully answered ; if not, I beg you to burn them,
without any further notice. I have the honour to
be, with great esteem, Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant,
Jam. Wolfe.
[Enclosure, No. I.]
LIEUTENANT CALDWELL TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL
WOLFE.
Louisbourgh, October 27, 1758.
Dear Sir,
I take this first opportunity of returning my
most unfeigned thanks for the many favours con-
ferred on me, and for the honour I received in the
notice you took of me at this place ; and as a
grateful sense of them is the only return in my
power to make, I beg you may be assured, Sir,
that nothing would give me greater pleasure than
an opportunity of showing it.
We have had no news here from General
382 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
Abercrombie's army, since he was joined by Mr.
Amherst ; but we have an account of an advanced
party of Brigadier Forbes's army of eight hundred
men, commanded by Major Grant, being attacked
about three hundred yards from FortDuQuesne, by a
number of Canadians and Indians, that sallied out of
the fort. Major Grant, with a number of officers and
three hundred privates, were either killed or taken
prisoners. The Highlanders there likewise suffered
very much. The accounts we have had of Major
Grants disposition and the manner of his being
attacked, seem a little odd. However, certain it is
he has been well drubbed ; though the account
we have had of the circumstances I should
imagine cannot be correct.
Nothing extraordinary has happened here since
your leaving us, only the people of St. John's are
not so easily to be got off as was expected. Im-
mediately after you left this, I applied for leave to
go to the continent, as I might have joined Mr.
Abercrombie before the end of the campaign ; but
was refused leave, lest the Canadians and Indians
should attempt to surprise the Princess Amelia in
Halifax harbour. The reason, indeed, that Mr.
Durell gave for refusing me was, lest Halifax
should be attacked in the winter, and the garrison
should want assistance from the ships.
I begin to fear that nothing will be attempted
to the Isle aux Coudres in the spring. Some of the
most useful men were let go off in the cartel ship,
though I had given the admiral a list of those
1758. THE EARL OF CHATHAM.
men, some time before the ship sailed. However,
that will not signify, if Maitre Jallen and Le Nor-
mand, both gone home with Sir Charles Hardy, are
sent back in time. Those two men are now abso-
lutely necessary. I have told Mr. Durell so ; and
he, after my pressing a good deal, has promised to
mention them to Mr. Boscawen. I wish he, or
some other person of consequence, would mention
the affair again to Mr. Durell, and recommend him.
to have no more seamen employed than may be
necessary to navigate the sloops, without a sea
officer to thwart the enterprise. Mr. Durell talks
of being out the beginning of April ; but I don't
hear he talks any thing of the river St. Lawrence.
I wish he was ordered up to anchor at L'lsle Bic ;
no ship could then escape him, and he would save
agreat many men's lives ; as nothing is more fatal to
a ship's company than long cruises. Nothing could
give me greater pleasure than such an order.
We shall sail, I believe, for Halifax in a few days,
in the Bedford and Prince Frederick, and stay there
during the winter. If any thing extraordinary hap-
pens, I shall do myself the honour of writing. I
remain, Dear Sir,
Your obedient
and obliged servant,
Henry Caldwell.
384 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1758.
[Enclosure, No. II. J
LIEUTENANT LESLIE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL
WOLFE.
Louisbourgh, October 30, 1758.
Sir,
Our affairs here creep on in a petty pace ; and
I am pleased we have nothing to do that requires
vigour and despatch, lest we should become con-
spicuous.
An account from my Lord Rolle, on the 14th
instant, says the inhabitants of St. John's island
were embarking very slowly, and he was afraid
many on the remote part of the island would
not come in this year ; and that several sloops and
schooners, two of which were armed, were on
the north side of the island, taking off the in-
habitants and their effects. Captain Bond was in
Port le Joy when this account came to General
Whitmore. I was told that it was a dangerous
experiment to send top-sail vessels to put a stop
to these proceedings ; on which I offered my
service to the governor, to go with any small
vessel that could be procured for me and the
rangers, with which I would endeavour to put a
stop to their success. I have caught the infection,
and had a fur prize in view. The governor
applied to the admiral for a small vessel ; but
jealous lest I should aspire to a flag by my
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 385
achievements by water, the Kennington was
ordered on that service, to reap the laurels I had
hoped for. However, for want of provision, she
did not sail till the 20th, and will come too late to
do any thing. Last night another account came
from Lord Rolle : fifteen hundred inhabitants were
embarked ; but there was a whole parish whose
inhabitants could not get off this season, being far
removed from the port where the transports were.
The fort was finished, and Lord Rolle was to
embark for this place last Saturday. No mention
was made of a stop being put to the vessels taking
off the northern inhabitants to Canada ; so I
imagine it goes on successfully, as there is nothing
to stop them. I believe there is a great bustle
and little work done at that island.
I have received no orders for my removal as yet;
but, if I can persuade General Whitmore to let me,
I propose taking the first opportunity to go to the
continent, and join whatever part of the army is in
action.
Your most obliged
and very obedient humble servant,
Matthew Leslie.
THE KING OF PRUSSIA TO MR. PITT.
Av Breslau, ce 5 de Janvier, 1759.
Je ne saurais m'empecher de vous marquer,
Monsieur, ma reconnoissance de la fa9on dont vous
vol. i. c c
386 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
venez encore, en dernier lieu, de vous expliquer
au parlement sur mon sujet. (*) J'apprends de tant
d'endroits les soins que vous vous donnezpour mes
interets, queje n'ai pu me refuser la satisfaction de
vous en remercier moi-meme.
L'Angleterre et La Prusse se trouvent accables
par un nombre d'ennemis, qui ont conspires contre
elles. Dans un terns ou Ton voit les liens forces
des Fran9ais et des Autrichiens, et l'alliance plus
bizarre des Russes avec les Suedois, il falloit, pour
mettre un contrepoids a tant d'entreprises, que les
nceuds qui nous unissent fussent rendus indisso-
lubles ; et il n'y avoit de moyen de nous soutenir,
que par une intelligence inalterable.
Je sais, Monsieur, combien vous y avez con-
tribue. La nature, qui m'a refuse d'autres talens,
m'a donne un cceur reconnoissant, et une ame
sensible, et de laquelle les services ne s'effacent
jamais. Continuez, Monsieur, a soutenir comme
vous le faites avec eclat les entreprises de vos
compatriotes, et a montrer au monde que les interets
de la politique sont reconciliables avec la probite
et la bonne foi. Vous devez compter sur mes
suffrages, et sur la resolution dans laquelle je suis
de vous donner, dans toutes les occasions, des
marques de mon amitie, et de mon estime.
Frederic
(') "November 23. The parliament was opened by com-
mission. Universal approbation of all that has been, and of
all that will be done. The King of Prussia's victories worth all
we have given ; and those he will gain worth all we shall give.
Thus this country seems to think at present." — Dodington's
Diary, p. 367.
59- THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 887
COLONEL CLIVE TO MR. PITT.
Calcutta, January 7, 1759.
Sir,
Suffer an admirer of yours at this distance to
congratulate himself on the glory and advantage
which are likely to accrue to the nation by your
being at its head, and at the same time to return
his most grateful thanks for the distinguished
manner you have been pleased to speak of his
successes in these parts, far indeed beyond his
deservings. (')
The close attention you bestow on the affairs of the
British nation in general has induced me to trouble
you with a few particulars relative to India, and to
lay before you an exact account of the revenues
of this country; the genuineness whereof you may
depend upon, as it has been faithfully copied from
the minister's books.
(!) Mr. Pitt, in his speech on the mutiny bill, in December,
1757, after adverting to the recent disgraces which had attended
the British arms, said, " We had lost our glory, honour, and re-
putation every where but in India : there the country had a
heaven-born general, who had never learned the art of war, nor
was his name enrolled among the great officers who had for
many years received their country's pay ; yet was he not
afraid to attack a numerous army with a handful of men." This
extract of Mr. Pitt's panegyric was conveyed to Colonel Clive
by his father, who concludes his letter in these words : " thus
you are, with truth, honourably spoken of throughout this
nation : may you continue to be so, till you return to your
native country, and to the embraces of an aged father." — See
Malcolm's Life of Lord Clive, vol. ii. p. 157.
C C L2
388 • CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
The great revolution that has been effected
here by the success of the English arms, and
the vast advantages gained to the Company by
a treaty concluded in consequence thereof, have,
I observe, in some measure engaged the public
attention ; but much more may yet in time be
done, if the Company will exert themselves in
the manner the importance of their present pos-
sessions and future prospects deserves. I have
represented to them in the strongest terms the
expediency of sending out and keeping up con-
stantly such a force as will enable them to
embrace the first opportunity of further aggrand-
izing themselves ; and I dare pronounce, from a
thorough knowledge of this country government^),
and of the genius of the people, acquired by two
years' application and experience, that such an op-
portunity will soon offer. The reigning Subah,
whom the victory at Plassey invested with the
sovereignty of these provinces, still, it is true,
retains his attachment to us, and probably, while
he has no other support, will continue to do so ;
but Mussulmans are so little influenced by grati-
tude, that should he ever think it his interest to
break with us, the obligations he owes us would
prove no restraint : and this is very evident from
his having very lately removed his prime minister,
and cut off two or three of his principal officers,
all attached to our interest, and who had a share
(') The application is here limited to the government of
Bengal.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 389
in his elevation. Moreover, he is advanced in
years ; and his son is so cruel and worthless a young
fellow, and so apparently an enemy to the English,
that it will be almost useless trusting him with
the succession. So small a body as two thousand
Europeans will secure us against any apprehensions
from either the one or the other, and in case of
their daring to be troublesome, enable the Company
to take the sovereignty upon themselves.
There will be the less difficulty in bringing about
such an event, as the natives themselves have no at-
tachment whatever to particular princes; and as,
under the present government, they have no se-
curity for their lives or properties, they would
rejoice in so happy an exchange as that of a mild
for a despotic government ; and there is little room
to doubt our easily obtaining the mogul's sannud
(or grant) in confirmation thereof, provided we
agree to pay him the stipulated allotment out of
the revenues. That this would be agreeable to
him can hardly be questioned, as it would be
so much to his interest to have these countries
under the dominion of a nation famed for their
good faith, rather than in the hands of people who,
a long experience has convinced him, never will
pay him his proportion of the revenues, unless
awed into it by the fear of the imperial army
marching to force them thereto.
But so large a sovereignty may possibly be an
object too extensive for a mercantile company ;
and it is to be feared they are not of themselves
c c 3
390 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
able, without the nation's assistance, to maintain so
wide a dominion. I have therefore presumed, Sir,
to represent this matter to you, and submit it to
your consideration, whether the execution of a
design, that may hereafter be still carried to greater
lengths, be worthy of the government's taking it
into hand.
I flatter myself I have made it pretty clear to
you, that there will be little or no difficulty in
obtaining the absolute possession of these rich
kingdoms ; and that with the mogul's own consent,
on condition of paying him less than a fifth of the
revenues thereof. Now I leave you to judge,
whether an income yearly of upwards of two
millions sterling, with the possession of three
provinces abounding in the most valuable pro-
ductions of nature and of art, be an object deserv-
ing the public attention ; and whether it be worth
the nation's while to take the proper measures to
secure such an acquisition, — an acquisition which,
under the management of so able and disinterested
a minister, would prove a source of immense wealth
to the kingdom, and might in time be appropriated
in part as a fund towards diminishing the heavy
load of debt under which we at present labour.
Add to these advantages the influence we shall
thereby acquire over the several European nations
engaged in the commerce here, which these could
no longer carry on but through our indulgence,
and under such limitations as we should think fit
to prescribe. It is well worthy consideration, that
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. SQl
this project may be brought about without draining
the mother country, as has been too much the case
with our possessions in America. A small force
from home will be sufficient, as we always make
sure of any number we please of black troops, who,
being both much better paid and treated by us than
by the country powers, will very readily enter into
our service.
Mr. Walsh, who will have the honour of delivering
you this, having been my secretary during the late
fortunate expedition, is a thorough master of the
subject, and will be able to explain to you the whole
design, and the facility with which it may be ex-
ecuted, much more to your satisfaction, and with
greater perspicuity, than can possibly be done in
a letter. I shall therefore only further remark,
that I have communicated it to no other person
but yourself; nor should I have troubled you, Sir,
but from a conviction that you will give a favourable
reception to any proposal intended for the public
good.
The greatest part of the troops belonging to this
establishment are now employed in an expedition
against the French in the Deccan ; and, by the
accounts lately received from thence, I have great
hopes we shall succeed in extirpating them from
the province of Golconda, where they have reigned
lords paramount so long, and from whence they
have drawn their principal resources during the
troubles upon the coast.
Notwithstanding the extraordinary efforts made
c c 4
392 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
by the French in sending out M. Lally with a con-
siderable force the last year, I am confident, before
the end of this, they will be near their last gasp in
the Carnatic, unless some very unforeseen event
interpose in their favour. (*) The superiority of
our squadron, and the plenty of money and supplies
of all kinds which our friends on the coast will be
furnished with from this province, while the enemy
are in total want of every thing, without any visible
means of redress, are such advantages as, if pro-
perly attended to, cannot fail of wholly effecting
their ruin in that as well as in every part of India.
May your zeal, and the vigorous measures pro-
jected for the service of the nation, which have so
eminently distinguished your ministry, be crowned
with all the success they deserve, is the most
fervent wish of him who is, with the greatest
respect, Sir,
Your most devoted humble servant,
Rob. Clive. (2)
(') These predictions were verified to the very letter.
(-) Mr. Walsh, by whom the letter was sent, gave to Colonel
Clive, on the 26th of November, an account of his interview
with Mr. Pitt, of which the following is the substance : — " Mr.
Pitt received me with the utmost politeness, and we had a tete-a-
tete for an hour and a quarter. He began on the subject of
your letter. I said I was apprehensive that he looked upon the
affair as chimerical : he assured me, not at all, but very prac-
ticable ; but that it was of a very nice nature. He mentioned
the Company's charter not expiring these twenty years ; that
upon some late transactions it had been inquired into, whether
the Company's conquests and acquisitions belonged to them or the
Crown, and the judges seemed to think to the Company. He said
the Company were not proper to have it, nor the Crown, for sucli
1759.
THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 393
ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
(Private^)
Breslaw, January 8, 1759.
Sir,
It is to me matter of the greatest satisfaction to
be able to assure you, that his Prussian Majesty is
highly pleased with the measures pursued by the
King's ministers, and with the fair, candid, and
honest manner in which they have behaved to him.
If any thing could add to the joy I felt on this
occasion, it was to hear the King of Prussia make
the parallel between his former ally and the present,
and a comparison between the behaviour of the
French and of the English ministers.
But, Sir, amidst general applause it would be
unjust to conceal from you the very particular and
distinguished approbation with which that monarch
has been pleased to honour your conduct ; the
Prussian ministers at London having transmitted
to their master an account of what you said in the
House of Commons, when it was proposed to
address the King not to deliver up Louisburg to
a revenue would endanger our liberties ; and that you had
shown your good sense by the application of it to the public.
He said the difficulty of effecting the affair was not great, under
such a genius as Colonel Clive ; but the sustaining it was the
point : it was not probable he would be succeeded by persons
equal to the task." — See Malcolm's Life of Lord Clive,
vol. ii. p. 127.
394 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
the French by any subsequent treaty of peace (1).
The King of Prussia admired the firmness of your
behaviour in replying instantly, and in the manner
you did, and he said to me, that the declaration you
made on that occasion was like a great statesman
and an honest man. He concluded with these
words, enfiriy c'etoit un coup de maitre.
I beg the favour of your acceptance of a Berlin
almanack, and of my most hearty and sincere wishes
for your health and prosperity. I have the honour
to be, with the greatest respect, Sir,
Your most obedient
and most humble servant,
Andrew Mitchell.
ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ. TO MR. PITT. •
Breslau, January 8, 1759.
Sir,
Last Thursday the King of Prussia told me he
had received letters from Lord Marshal (2), his
governor of Neufchatel, desiring that his Prussian
(!) " Thanks were voted to Boscawen and Amherst for the
conquest of Louisburg, of which Sir John Philipps said, he
hoped no ministry would ever rob us. Beckford re-echoed this.
Pitt replied, it was too early to decide on what we would or
would not restore : the Duke of Marlborough had acquired
superiority ; the peace of Utrecht gave it away : and then he
protested, that at the peace he would not give up an iota of our
allies, for any British consideration," &c. — Walpoles Geo. II.,
vol. ii. p. 326.
(2) Earl Marichal Keith, attainted for his share in the rebellion
in 1715. He was brother of the Honourable James Keith, many
years field-marshal in the service of the King of Prussia, and killed
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 395
Majesty would be pleased to recommend him
to his Majesty's grace arid pardon. The King
of Prussia added, that he believed a relation of
Lord Marshal's was lately dead, to whom he should
have succeeded ; which had occasioned the present
application. I answered, that I apprehended, as
Mr. Keith had been attainted by act of parliament,
no part of the attainder could be reversed but by
parliament.
The King of Prussia replied, " I know nothing
of your forms ; but I shall be obliged to you, if
you will write to the King's ministers in my name,
to desire them to intercede with the King for Lord
Marshal's pardon, which," said he, " I will consider
as a personal favour done to myself."
I assured his Prussian Majesty, that I was ready
to obey his commands forthwith, and I believed
every minister in the King's service would not
only give the utmost attention to what he was
pleased to suggest, but be willing to go all lengths
to oblige him, as far as the laws and constitution of
the country permitted. The King of Prussia then
said, " What Lord Marshal asks does not appear
unreasonable ; he does not desire restitution of
dignity and estate — only to be rehabilitated : I
therefore hope his request may easily be granted.
I will myself write to the King about it, and I
at the battle of Hochkirchen in October, 1758, and eldest son
of William, ninth earl marichal of Scotland, by Lady Mary
Drummond, daughter of the Earl of Perth. He was at this time
Frederick's ambassador at the court of Spain.
39<J CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
trust to you to recommend this to the King's
ministers."
In a subsequent conversation I had with the
King of Prussia, after talking over the same things,
he added, " I know Lord Marshal to be so tho-
rough an honest man, that I am willing to be surety
for his future conduct." I have mentioned mi-
nutely every thing that has passed concerning this
affair, to show you how much this generous monarch
has the interest of his old servant at heart, even in
the midst of the greatest and most important
occupations ; and I despatch this messenger on
purpose, having no news of any sort to transmit.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest
respect, Sir,
.Your most obedient
and most humble servant,
Andrew Mitchell.
THE HON. SIR JOSEPH YORKE TO MR. PITT.
(Private.}
Hague, January 9, 1759.
Sir,
The new year's gift, contained in the private
letter you were pleased to honour me with in your
own hand, was so agreeable and useful to me, that
I lost no time in communicating to the Princess
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 397
Royal and the Dutch ministers the account of the
release of the Surinam ships ; and, notwithstanding
the uncertain state of her Royal Highness's health,
she ordered me to make her sincerest acknowledff-
ments to you, for the real mark of regard and
friendship which you have given her, and the
convincing proof to this country of your desire to
go as far as is reasonable or practicable in adjusting
these unhappy differences. Her Royal Highness,
with her sincerest thanks, depends upon the con-
tinuance of your kind assistance to prevent any
misfortune happening ; and no assistance she can
give to second the favourable intentions of England
shall be wanting.
It is undoubtedly a great misfortune for the
forwarding of this important business, that her
Royal Highness should be unable to act in person ;
for the several parties and jarring interests which
divide this country render any negotiation with
them almost impracticable. I am sure the nation
in general wish to compound reasonably ; but what
you so properly say of the passion, knavery, and
French operation, which magnify and multiply real
grievances, is certainly true. This has made me wish
so much to be furnished authentically with some of
the strong proofs you are possessed of in England
against the Dutch merchants, as I could make a
good use of them ; and such as I have been able
to pick up here have had a very good effect in
opening people's eyes, which are almost universally
blinded with the clamours of losing merchants, who
398 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
unless convicted will never own their frauds and
abuses.
It is natural to suppose, that amongst the number
of ships brought up, some may have been detained
upon frivolous pretences. Those I treat with here
don't pretend to contend for false or double papers,
or those who are proved to have sinned against
what they call the law ; and I am convinced that if
those two classes were separated from the others, a
much less number than is imagined would remain
to be contended for ; and surely the owners and the
privateers had better compound the matter, without
a lawsuit, than spend the profits in long pleadings.
But this I only mention as my own idea, which,
though proceeding from a good intention, may be
impracticable or improper.
The French do wisely to foment this quarrel ;
for it cannot but be advantageous to them to
divide the ancient alliance between England and
Holland. It is needless for me to expatiate upon
the benefit that must accrue to them; though I am
persuaded that those who foment it here would
be the first victims of such a misfortune.
In the course of this week and the next, I shall
be better able to judge than I can yet, whether
those with whom I am forced to treat (who are not
all equally just and reasonable) are serious, and well
disposed to second the friendly and favourable dis-
positions on your side. If they are, the affair may
be soon adjusted ; if they are not, I see no other
way of negotiating for the future, but by public
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 399
memorials, and in a manner appealing to the people,
that they may see into what an abyss a faction
would lead them, contrary to their engagements,
their honour, and their interest.
From the experience I have had of your candour
and indulgence towards me, and of the obliging
and friendly manner in which you are pleased to
write to me, I am encouraged to hope that my
conduct in this difficult and delicate affair has not
been disapproved of by you. I am sensible that
I stand upon ticklish ground ; but, encouraged by
your goodness, and enlightened by your assistance,
I will do my best to get forward. Give me leave
to hope that that will be continued to me, and
that I may have frequent opportunities of assur-
ing you of the unfeigned respect and attachment
with which I have the honour to be, Sir,
your most obliged and
most devoted humble servant,
Joseph Yorke.
P. S. There is no saying what will be the issue
of the Princess Royal's complaint, which the phy-
sicians now pronounce a dropsy. (J)
(l) The Princess of Orange died three days after the date of
this letter, leaving two children — the Prince William, hereditary
stadtholder, father of the present King of the Netherlands, and
the Princess Caroline, married in March, 1760, to Charles
Christian, prince of Nassau Weilbourg.
400 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
MR. PITT TO ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ.
(Private.)
Whitehall, January 26, 1759.
Sir,
You will be informed by the Earl of Holdernesse,
now returned from Bath, of the pleasure his Ma-
jesty took in complying with the wishes of the King
of Prussia in favour of Lord Marshal ; and I have
only to add on the subject, that nothing was left
for the King's servants to do on the occasion, but
to admire the generosity and clemency of two
great monarchs displaying themselves so amiably,
and to be happy in the growing harmony and con-
fidential friendship which daily manifest themselves
between their Majesties.
The approbation the King of Prussia is pleased
to express to you of the measures pursued, and of
the fair and honest proceeding of the King's ser-
vants, fills me with the deepest satisfaction and
sincerest joy for the public ; at the same time, that
the distinguished protection and infinite conde-
scension of that heroic monarch towards the least
amongst them, have indeed left me under impres-
sions beyond the power of words ; and in addition
to all the warmest sentiments which my heart has
long devoted to the greatest of kings and pride of
human nature, gratitude, that can only cease with
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 401
my life, has completed the ties of inviolable attach-
ment.
I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that this
day the pecuniary succour to Prussia and the sub-
sidy to the Landgrave, together with nineteen
thousand Hessians for this year, passed the com-
mittee, with one voice only against it. (') I return
you many thanks for your obliging present, and
desire you will be persuaded that I shall be happy
in the occasions of testifying the great truth and
consideration with which I remain, dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
W. Pitt.
MR. PITT TO THE KING OF PRUSSIA.
[From a draught in the hand-writing of Mr. Pitt.]
^A Whitehall, ce — de Janvier, 1759.
Sire,
La lettre qui me comble de gloire, et que votre
Majeste a daigne me faire de la meme main qui
fait le salut de l'Europe, m'ayant penetre de sen-
(!) " The estimates for the year are made up ; and what do
you think they amount to? No less than twelve millions; a
most incredible sum, and yet already all subscribed, and even
more offered ! The unanimity in the House of Commons, in
voting such a sum, and such forces, both by sea and land, is
not less astonishing. This is Mr. Pitt's doing, and it is mar-
vellous in our eyes. He declares only what he would have
them do, and they do it, nemine contradicente ; Mr. Viner only
excepted." — Lord Chesterfield..
VOL. I. D D
402 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
timens au-dessus de toute expression, il ne me
reste qu'a supplier votre Majeste, qu'elle veuille
bien permettre, qu'au defaut de paroles, j'aye re-
cours aux foibles efforts d'un zele inalterable pour
ses interets, et que j'aspire a rendre ma vie entiere
l'interprete d'un cceur rempli d'admiration, et pro-
fondement touche de la plus vive et de la plus
respectueuse reconnoissance.
En vous dediant, Sire, un devouement de la
sorte, je ne fais qu'obeir aux volontes du Roi, qui
n'exige rien tant de ceux qui ont l'honneur de
servir sa Majeste dans ses affaires, que de travailler
avec passion a rendre indissolubles les liens d'une
union si heureuse entre les deux cours.
Agreez, Sire, qu'anime de ces vues, je fasse des
vceux pour les jours de votre Majeste, et qu'en
tremblant je la suive en idee, dans la carriere d'ac-
tions merveilleuses qui se succedent continuelle-
ment, sans cesser, toutefois, d'etre prodiges ; et
que j'ose supplier tres-humblement votre Majeste,
qu'au milieu de tous ses travaux, elle veuille bien
songer un moment, a me continuer la gloire et le
bien inestimable de cette protection, qu'elle m'a
fait la grace de m'accorder.
Je suis, avec le plus profond respect, Sire,
De votre Majeste
Le tres-humble et tres
obeissant serviteur,
W. Pitt.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 403
MAJOR-GENERAL WOLFE (') TO MR. PITT.
Neptune, Halifax Harbour, May 1, 1759.
Sir,
An officer of artillery who is recalled to his
corps gives me an opportunity of doing myself the
honour to inform you of what I have learnt or seen
since yesterday, that the squadron came to an
anchor.
Mr. Amherst has used the utmost diligence in
forwarding all things that depended upon him; and
I hope that the two battalions from the Bay of
Fundy will get round in good time. Schooners,
sloops, whale boats, molasses and rum are pro-
(!) An expedition against the capital of the French empire
in North America having been determined upon by the Govern-
ment, Wolfe, who had eminently distinguished himself at the
siege of Louisbourg, was placed at the head of it, with the rank
of major-general. Early in February he embarked with about
eight thousand men on board the fleet commanded by Admiral
Saunders, and arrived, in the latter end of June, in the river
St. Lawrence. " Considering," says Walpole, " that our ancient
officers had grown old on a very small portion of experience,
which by no means compensated for the decay of fire and vigour,
1 it was Mr. Pitt's practice to trust his plans to the alertness and
hopes of younger men. This appeared particularly in the
nomination of Wolfe for the enterprise on Quebec. Ambition,
industry, passion for the service, were conspicuous in him. He
seemed to breathe for nothing but fame, and lost no moments
in qualifying himself to compass his object. He had studied for
his purpose, and wrote well. Presumption on himself was ne-
cessary to such a character, and he had it. He was formed to
execute the designs of such a master as Pitt." — Memoirs of
George II., vol. ii. p. 345.
D D 2
404 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
vided, and hourly expected. Governor Lawrence
and the brigadier generals here have omitted
nothing that could possibly forward the service,
and our engineers have been employed in some
useful preparations. By the Ruby ordnance ship
(the only one of Mr. Holmes's (T) convoy yet arrived
in this port) we have learnt, that the transports
were scattered in a hard gale of wind ; but as the
Ruby observed only one ship without masts, we
conclude that the far greater part are safe at
New York.
Mr. Durell applied for troops to strengthen
his squadron, which were readily granted by the
commanding officer here, that there might be no
impediment to his sailing. I have added two
hundred and fifty men to the first detachment,
and have put the whole under the command of
the quarter-master-general, Colonel Carleton, to
assist Mr. Durell's operations in the river St.
Lawrence ; where perhaps it may be necessary to
land upon some of the islands, and to push a de-
tachment of his fleet up the bason of Quebec, that
the navigation may be entirely free from transports.
By this early attempt it is more than probable,
that the Canadians will not have time to prepare
a defence at the Isle aux Coudres, and at the Tra-
verse, the two most difficult and rapid parts of the
(!) Charles Holmes, at this time rear-admiral of the white.
He was member for Newport in the Isle of Wight, and in
1760 was appointed commander-in-chief on the Jamaica station,
where he died in 1761.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 405
river, and where the pilots seem to think they
might, and would (if not prevented in time), give
us a good deal of trouble. If Mr. Durell had
been at sea, as we imagined, I did intend to have
sent Colonel Carleton with this additional force,
some artillery and tools, with the first ship that
Mr. Saunders (') might have ordered to reinforce
the rear-admiral's squadron.
The battalions in garrison here were (till very
lately, that the measles has got amongst them,) in
very great order, and in health, recovered by the
more than common care of the officers that com-
mand them. They have managed so as to exchange
the salt provisions for fresh beef, and have had
constant supplies of frozen meat and spruce beer
all the winter. This excellent precaution, their
great and generous expense in the regimental
hospitals, and the order that has been observed
amongst them, have preserved these battalions
from utter ruin.
But I believe, Sir, you will be surprised to find,
that when the five hundred men for the defence of
Nova Scotia are deducted from the two American
battalions, these four regiments have no more
than two thousand men in condition to serve ;
(!) At this time vice-admiral of the blue; in the following
year made commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean; in 1762,
vice-admiral of the white ; in 1765, a lord of the Admiralty ; in
1766, comptroller of the navy ; and in 1770, admiral of the blue.
He for many years represented the borough of Heydon in Par-
liament. He died in 1775, and was privately buried in West-
minster Abbey, near he monument of his friend Wolfe.
D D 3
406 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
including the detachment with Mr. Durell. The
levies upon the continent have prevented their
recruiting. Otway's and Bragg* s, who cannot
have fared so well as these, and have lost in pro-
portion since the siege of Louisbourg, are by all
accounts in a worse condition ; so that if those
from General Amherst should not be very com-
plete, our number of regular forces can hardly
exceed the half of my Lord Ligonier's calculation ;
and yet the Marshal must know, that every man in
Canada is a soldier. Our troops indeed are good,
and very well disposed : if valour can make amends
for the want of numbers, we shall probably suc-
ceed. Any accidents on the river, or sickness
among the men, might put us to some difficulties.
The six companies of rangers will be pretty
near complete. They are in general recruits,
without service or experience, and not to be de-
pended upon ; and the company of light infantry
from the three battalions in garrison at Louis-
bourg has, I believe, been omitted in the directions
sent to General Amherst. The Admiral writes
concerning the affairs of the fleet; and therefore I
forbear to speak of them. Mr. Saunders proposes
to be soon at sea ; and there shall be no delay on
our part.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obedient
and most humble servant,
Jam. Wolfe.
1759- THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 407
ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
(Private.)
Landshutt, May 20, 1759.
Sir,
Since I had the honour of your most obliging
private letter of the 26th of January last, nothing
material has happened here, which has not been
mentioned in my correspondence with the Earl of
Holdernesse ; but yesterday, in the conversation I
had with the King of Prussia, some things dropped
from him, which I think it my duty to acquaint you
with in particular.
After that monarch had expressed his warmest
wishes for peace, and expatiated on the dangerous
situation in which he was, he asked me, " But can
your ministers make a peace ? are things yet in that
situation ?" I answered, I was sure they wished
for peace. " And," says he, " I hope I shall not be
forgot." My reply was prevented by the King's
adding immediately : " No, I am in no danger ;
Mr. Pitt is an honest man and firm ; my interests
are safe in his hands." I took the liberty of saying
that, from a very long acquaintance, I was firmly
persuaded his Majesty in the end would find you
really was, what he now thought you to be. The
King then changed the conversation, and, talking
of his own situation, said, " If you were to write
all you see, and all you know of it, you would
hardly be believed by your own ministers."
d d 4
408 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
My letters to the Earl of Holdernesse will inform
you of the rest of this memorable conversation ;
but in my private letter to him and to the Duke
of Newcastle, I have only mentioned the King's
ardent desire of peace. I have the honour to be,
with great and sincere respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient
and most humble servant,
Andrew Mitchell.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, May 24, 1759.
Dear Sir,
Not having had the pleasure of seeing you at
court, 1 take the first opportunity to acquaint
you, that I this day got the King's consent, that
Mr. Hampden (!) should be one of the joint post-
masters. I had very often and very lately pressed it,
but had not been able to get it over until this day.
(') The Hon. Robert Hampden, several years envoy-extra-
ordinary to the States-General. He continued to hold the office
of joint post-master-general till 1765. By the death of his
half-brother, he became, in 1764, fourth Lord Trevor. It
is related, that in an audience, George the Third said to him,
" My Lord, why do you suffer the great name of Hampden to
drop?" — "Peers," replied Lord Trevor, "do not change their
names, without the permission of their sovereign." He was
created Viscount Hampden in 1776, and died in 1783.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 409
The King did also agree, that the Earl of Bes-
borough (*) should be the other post-master ;
and I this day recommended my Lord North to
succeed my Lord Besborough in the treasury.
My Lord North is a near relation of mine ; but I
hope his appearance in parliament will make the
choice approved, and that he will be in time a very
able and useful servant to the Crown. (2) I am with
great respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Holles Newcastle. (3)
(') William Ponsonby, second Earl of Besborough, and
father of the present Earl. He married, in 1739, Lady Caroline
Cavendish, daughter of William, third Duke of Devonshire, and
died in 1793.
(2) The Hon. Frederick North, eldest son of the first Earl of
Guilford, at this time member for Banbury. He held this
situation in the treasury till 1766, when he was made joint pay-
master of the forces. In 1767, he was appointed chancellor of
the exchecpaer, and in 1770 became prime minister ; which high
situation he held till 1783, when he retired from public life. " He
was," says his great opponent Mr. Burke, " a man of admirable
parts, of general knowledge, of a versatile understanding, fitted
for all sorts of business ; of infinite wit and pleasantry, of a de-
lightful temper, and with a mind most disinterested." He died in
1792, in his sixty-first year.
(3) " May 16, Lord Halifax called on me, and told me, that
the Duke of Newcastle was extremely glad of having a vacancy
in the treasury, by making Lord Besborough postmaster, and
now he might take Mr. Oswald, and all would be settled ; but
that Lord Bute came to him, in the name of all of them on that
side of the administration, and told his Grace positively, that
they would not consent to Oswald's being in the treasury ; and
the rather, as they knew he was not his Grace's man, but was
410 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
MR. PITT TO ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ.
Whitehall, June 12, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I will not trouble you here with regard to my
dispatch to Mr. Porter, a copy whereof, in your
cipher, is transmitted to you by the Earl of
Holdernesse, in order to be communicated to the
King of Prussia, and relative whereto Baron Kny-
phausen has written so fully and so fairly to his
court. I will only say on this subject, that we do
more than I dared to hope ; — indeed, all that we pos-
sibly can, and far beyond that to which any imaginable
consideration but the just weight of his Prussian
Majesty, could ever have carried us. What I sat
down only to do, is to acknowledge the favour of
your very obliging private letter of the 20th past,
and to give some expression, in a short word, to
the deep and lively sentiments of most respectful
gratitude and veneration, which such a testimony
from such a monarch must engrave for ever in a
heart already filled with admiration and devotion.
suggested to him by Mr. Legge : and this the Dake, very
much frightened, was pleased to own. He added, that they
thought they had as good a right to recommend as any one, and
they expected that Mr. Elliot of the admiralty should succeed.
The Duke did not absolutely acquiesce in the nomination, but
he did in the exclusion." — Dodingtoris Diary, p. 368.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 411
Truly dear as his Prussian Majesty's interests are
to me, it is my happiness to be able to say, that if
any servant of the King could forget (a thing, I
trust, impossible) what is due, by every tie, to
such an ally, I am persuaded his Majesty would
soon bring any of us to our memory again. In
this confidence I rest secure, that whenever peace
shall be judged proper to come under consideration,
no peace of Utrecht will again stain the annals of
England.
Accept yourself my best thanks for the obliging
language you were so good as to hold of an old ac-
quaintance, and believe me, with great truth and
consideration, dear sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
W. Pitt.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, June 23, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty to send you some papers,
which were formerly under consideration, relating
to the powers of the master-general of the ordnance,
with a letter which I have received from my Lord
Ligonier upon them. To be sure, those powers
were too extensive : whether what is now proposed
by my Lord Ligonier is sufficient should be con-
sidered ; but whatever regulations are proper to
be made will be more easily effected now in
412 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
the case of my Lord Ligonier, as his lordship, I
believe, was the person who formerly proposed
those alterations.
It is very evident that my Lord Ligonier grows so
very impatient, that if this is not immediately done,
we shall not have things carried on in that material
office with that expedition, which the present critical
situation of affairs requires. I therefore beg you
would be so good as to consider what alterations
should be made in the present instructions, that
the appointment may be forthwith made. (') lam
with great respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant
Holles Newcastle.
BARON DE KNYPHAUSEN TO MR. PITT.
VA Londres, per Juillet, 1759.
Monsieur,
Ayant recu cette nuit un courier du Roy mon
maitre, qui m'a porte une lettre pour sa Majeste
Brittanique, que je me propose de remettre ce
matin, et dont le contenu est tres important, je
crois ne pas devoir differer d'un instant d'en en-
(') On the 3rd of July, Lord Ligonier was appointed master-
general of the ordnance, in the room of the late Duke of
Marlborough.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 413
voyer ci-joint copie a votre Excellence, me re-
servant au reste d'en conferer plus amplement avec
elle demain matin, soit a Londres, soit a Kensino-_
ton, ou je me rendrai versles une heures.
J'ai l'honneur d'etre, avec les sentimens d'admira-
tion et de respect, queje vous ai consacres pour ]a
vie, Monsieur, de votre Excellence
le tres humble et tres
obeissant serviteur,
Le B. de Knyphausen.
THE KING OF PRUSSIA TO THE KING OF ENGLAND.
VA Reich Kennersdorff, ce 20 Juin, 1759.
Monsieur mon Frere,
Quelques efforts que nous ayons fait jusqu'ici
pour rompre la ligue de nos ennemis, il paroit que
leur animosite et leur erreur n'ont fait qu'aug-
menter. Nous avons agi avec toute la vigueur
possible. Nos succes, loin de leur donner des
sentimens pacifiques, n'ont fait que resserrer les
liens qui les unissent, et les pousser a faire de plus
grands efforts.
Si votre Majeste veut bien que je lui parle avec
confiance et a coeur ouvert, je pense que l'attach-
ment que nous devons a nos peuples, l'humanite,
et le bien du genre humain, demandent que nous
n'ayons pas trop d'acharnement pour con tinner une
guerre onereuse et sanglante, et qu'il ne seroit
414 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
point con tre notre dignite ni contre notre honneur,
de nous prevaloir des premiers evenemens favor-
ables de cette campagne, pour declarer conjointe-
ment aux puissances ennemis, qu'on etoit dispose
a Londres et a Berlin a l'ouverture d'un congres,
dans lequel on pourroit se concerter sur les moyens
les plus propres a etablir une paix honorable
et utile a toutes les parties belligerantes, autant
qu'elles voudroient se preter a concourir a ce but
salutaire.
Ce sont des idees que je soumets aux vues supe-
rieurs de votre Majeste, l'assurant, quoiqu'il arrive,
que rien ne me separera de ses interets.
Je suis, avec la plus haute estime,
Monsieur, mon Frere,
de votre Majeste le bon Frere,
Frederic. (*)
(') The condition of the King of Prussia's affairs at this
moment were considered desperate.
" We have a most gloomy prospect of affairs in Germany,"
wrote Lord Chesterfield on the 25th of June : " the French are
already in possession of Cassel and of the learned part of Hano-
ver, that is, Gottingen ; where I presume they will not stop,
pour V amour des belles lettres, but rather go on to the capital. If
Prince Ferdinand ventures a battle to prevent it, I dread the conse-
quences, and study them upon the coin ; the odds are too great
against him. The King of Prussia is still in a worse situation ;
for he has the hydra to encounter ; and though he may cut off
a head or two, there will still be enough left to devour him at
last."
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 415
EARL MARICHAL KEITH TO MR. PITT.
St. Ildefonso, July 30, 1759.
Sir,
It is only by this post that I know the pardon
which his Majesty of his goodness was pleased to
grant me, has passed the seals. I durst not until
now presume to write to you, and thank you for
your favour towards me ; of which I cannot doubt,
since I know, from the King of Prussia, that when
Baron Knyphausen went to deliver his letter, he
found the King already in a good disposition to
receive it.
I must beg leave to ask another favour — that you
will assure the King of my grateful acknowledge-
ment of his goodness, and that his Majesty may
count on my faithful attachment to him and to his
family. I wish you good health, for yourself and
for the public, and success to your wishes (and
allow me to add to mine), in your labour for the
interest of the King and of the country, having
the honour to be respectfully, Sir,
Your most humble and
most obedient servant,
Keith. (2)
(') Upon receiving his pardon, the Earl proceeded to London,
and was introduced to George II., who received him very
graciously. He remained in this country for several years, pur-
chased back some of the family property, and intended finally to
settle for the remainder of his life in Scotland ; but the King of
Prussia pressed him so warmly to return to his dominions —
416 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
Kew, August 7, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I am extremely concerned to observe by your
letter, that all endeavours have proved hitherto
unsuccessful, in regard to a business the Prince has
so much at heart. I need not tell you that he
complains bitterly of the extreme neglect he ever
meets with in any matter (be it what it will) that
immediately concerns himself. The most gentle,
patient dispositions may be at last so soured, that
all the prudential reasons and arguments in the
world will not prevent very bad effects — very per-
nicious consequences. Nothing shall be wanting
on my part to preserve peace and good-humour,
but at the same time, I will not be answerable for
the consequences of this treatment ; though I am
very certain, that whatever resolutions his Royal
Highness shall take, whatever measures he shall
think necessary for his own honour to pursue, at
this crisis, he will do nothing unworthy of himself,
saying, in one of his letters, " If I had a fleet, I would come and
carry you off by force," — that he once more became an exile
from his native land. He died at Potsdam, in 1778, in his
eighty-sixth year. It was from this nobleman that Lord Chat*
ham received intelligence of the hostile intentions of Spain with
regard to the Falkland Islands, which prompted him, in 1770,
to make the celebrated declaration in the House of Lords, "■ that
a blow of hostility had been struck against Great Britain by her
old inveterate enemies in some quarter of the globe."
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 417
or that he shall think disrespectful to the King.
I ever am, dear sir,
Your most affectionate humble servant,
Bute.(])
MR. PITT TO THE EARL OF BUTE.
August 15, 1759.
My dear Lord,
I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship,
that the King has given leave to Lord George
Sackville to return to England, his Lordship having,
in a letter to Lord Holdernesse, requested to be
recalled from his command. (2) This mode of re-
(') "At this time," says Watpole, " Mr. Pitt was little inclined
to favour the views of the Prince's court ; their mutual haughti-
ness and reserve had impaired the connection between him and
Lord Bute. The Prince's court had secrets of their own ; nor
was Pitt more communicative to the successor of his grand-
father's measures : and the affair of Lord George Sackville, who
was pati'onised by the Prince, widened the breach." — Vol. ii.
p. 399.
(2) In the general orders issued by Prince Ferdinand, the
day after the battle of Minden, his Royal Highness stated, that
if the Marquis of Granby, Lord George Sackville's subordinate,
had been at the head of the cavalry, he felt persuaded the
success of the day would have been more complete and brilliant.
"After the battle," says Walpole, "Lord George, whether un-
conscious of having failed in his duty, or whether, what is more
probable, to carry on the semblance of having done it, did not
scruple to mix with the general officers at the Prince's table.
' Voila cet homme ! ' said the Prince to those nearest to him,
1 autant a son aise comme s'il avait fait des merveilles ! ' No more
VOL. I. E E
418 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
turning, your Lordship will perceive, is a very con-
siderate softening of his misfortune. The torrent
in all parts bears hard upon him. As I have already,
so I shall continue to give him, as a most unhappy
man, all the offices of humanity, which our first,
sacred object, my dear Lord, the public good, will
allow.
The King sends the garter and a handsome
present to Prince Ferdinand.
I am ever, my dear Lord,
Yours, &c. &c.
W. Pitt.
THE EARL OF BRISTOL TO MR. PITT.
Madrid, August 27, 1759.
Sir,
I have before, in my private letters, had the
honour of acquainting you, that since I have been
here, there has not been a single dispatch to you,
or office letter to M. Wall, or any one letter of
business, even to the many consuls in Spain, which
I have not writ myself, and only consented to let
the secretary of embassy copy, without making the
least alteration. Colonel De Cosne Q) has not, since
passed then. The next day's orders informed Lord George,
that the Prince's silence was no indemnity. He felt the stroke.
He saw Germany and the army were no longer a situation for
him. He wrote for leave to resign his command, and to return.
Both were granted." — Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 367.
(!) Secretary to the British embassy at the court of Madrid.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 419
the month of June, put any thing into cipher for
me, or transcribed a letter ; which I mention, only
that you may be less uneasy, Sir, at his absence,
when you are apprised how little he has done. I
should be much concerned to hear of his Majesty's
displeasure for my encouraging him to change the
air ; but being confined to his room at Madrid,
and often to his bed, without doing any business, is
much the same with his going into another province
of this kingdom. Whilst I am able, I can cheerfully
go through the duty of my employment ; the dis-
charge of my business is my principal pleasure.
There are no avocations in this country, were I
inclined to be diverted from the King's service;
and depend upon it, Sir, that as soon as I feel my-
self unfit, I will not have it to reproach myself,
that I am receiving pay from his Majesty without
endeavouring to merit it; but I v/ill ask to retire,
and leave my commission to one more able to
fulfil the importance of the trust, although none
can ever exceed me in zeal.
I most unfeignedly wish you, Sir, a long con-
tinuance of health, and as ardently wish you to
remain in that station you so worthily are placed
in, so much to the benefit of your King, and so
entirely to the satisfaction of your country ; but
if I might add to those great considerations, I
would presume to say, how much I hope never
to have any other correspondent except yourself
in that office.
It is unnecessary for me, Sir, to repeat my
E K <2
420 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
solicitations for a consul-general of your recom-
mendation ; indeed, one is much wanted. I have
the honour to be, with the truest esteem and most
perfect respect, Sir,
Your most obedient
and most humble servant,
Bristol.
ADMIRAL RODNEY (■) TO MR. PITT.
Deptford, off' Havre, September 3. 1759.
Sir,
I was in hopes, long before this, to have con-
gratulated you on the second bombardment of
Havre. The same successful passage attended me ;
the frigates were placed, and the signal made for
the bombs to proceed to their station, when the
wind springing up very fresh at north-west, attended
with a great swell, obliged me to anchor and recall
the frigates. The weather has since been so very
bad as to prevent any operation whatever ; this
(!) In the early part of the year, this brave officer had been
made rear admiral of the blue, and appointed to the command
of the expedition destined for the bombardment of Havre de
Grace and destruction of the preparations carrying on for
invading the coasts of Great Britain ; an object which he most
effectually accomplished. For a series of gallant services, he
was created a baronet in 1764, and, having obtained a signal
victory over the French fleet in the West Indies on the 12th of
April 1782, was raised to the peerage by the title of Baron
Rodney. He died in 1792.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 421
being the first fair day since being on the enemy's
coast, and the spring tides being set in, nothing
can be attempted till they are over.
I should, Sir, be wanting in that respect and
gratitude I owe, for the many favours received at
your hands, did I not make you truly acquainted
with the present posture of the enemy, which is such
that, I am firmly of opinion, all attempts towards
another bombardment would be attended with
unsurmountable difficulties ; the enemy having
placed two floating batteries, and two flat-bottom
vessels, so advantageously as to rake the bombs
when in their station. They have likewise four
galleys, with each a large gun in their prow, who
keep within the sand-bank, and will flank the
bombs on the other side. They lay in such shoal
water, that none of the ships I have with me can
possibly attack them ; and the bombs, to do any ex-
ecution, must be placed within point blank of them.
In short, Sir, the enemy have had so much time to
prepare, which they have not neglected, that not
only all the officers of the squadron, but those like-
wise of the train, are firmly of opinion, the bombs
would be destroyed before they could be well
placed.
I flatter myself you will do me the justice to
think, that I shall ever exert myself to the utmost
for his Majesty's service, and that my motive, in
this representation to you, proceeds from a
thorough conviction, that his Majesty's arms may
be attended with disgrace in this attempt ; but if
e e 3
422 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
'tis thought proper to make it, when the neap
tides come on, nothing shall be wanting on my
part to make it successful.
The enemy go on very briskly in finishing their
flat-bottom boats, there being now only thirty on
the beach, and those almost finished. By intelli-
gence I received this day, by a Dutch hoy that
came down the river, they have one hundred and
twenty at Rouen, and only two at Honfleur ; they
not choosing to keep them at that place. As I have
frequent opportunities to see them under sail, I
think them very unwieldy vessels, and calculated
only for smooth water and a fair wind.
I beg, Sir, you will look upon this letter as pro-
ceeding from a person who has the highest vener-
ation for you, and would be glad of any opportunity
of contributing to the glory of the British arms, and
your administration.
I have the honour to be, Sir, with the utmost
respect,
Your most obedient
and most humble servant,
G. B. Rodney. (»)
(*) During the summer Admiral Rodney made several visits
to Havre. Walpole says, that " he threw so prodigious a number
of bombs into the place, that he almost melted his own mortars ;
thereby totally frustrating the designs of the enemy, and com-
pletely ruining, not only the preparations going on, but the port
itself as a naval arsenal."
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 423
MR. PITT TO LORD GEORGE SACKVILLE.(')
[From a draught in Mr.Pitt's hand -writing.]
September 9, 1759.
My Lord,
I have the honour of a letter from your Lordship,
with a copy of one from you to Lord Hoidernesse,
requesting a public opportunity of justifying your
conduct by a court martial ; wherein I wish your
lordship all success. You are pleased to make very
undeserved acknowledgments for such offices only
of common candour and humanity, as I judged it
consistent with my duty to the King and zeal for
the service to employ ; but those offices went no
further than using endeavours that your Lordship
might return from your command by his Majesty's
permission, not by order.
I hope you will think it is the same temper of
mind which at present compels me to deal frankly
on this very unhappy and delicate occasion, where
delusion might prove dangerous. Give me leave,
then, to say, that I find myself (from the turn of
your Lordship's letter) under the painful necessity
(')" From the first moment of Lord George Sackville's dis-
grace, Mr.Pitt warmly adopted the sentiments of Prince Ferdinand,
whom he was determined heartily to support. Though he went
to visit Lord George in form, he by no means meant to protect
him. He would not, he said, condemn any man unheard ; but
he was sworn to the German cause, and to the heroes whose
success reflected such lustre on his own administration, and con-
curred so much to give it stability." — Walpole, vol. ii. p. 381.
E E 4
424 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
of declaring my infinite concern at not having been
able to find, either from Captain Smith's conversation,
or from your own state of facts, room, as I wished,
for me to offer my support, with regard to a con-
duct which, perhaps, my incompetence to judge of
military questions, leaves me at a loss to account
for.
I cannot enough lament the subject of a cor-
respondence so unlike every thing I had wished
for a person to whose advantageous situation my
poor endeavours had not been wanting.
I am, with respect,
Your Lordship's most obedient and
most humble servant,
W. Pitt-C)
(!) On the following day, Lord Barrington, the secretary at war,
waited, by the King's command, on Lord George Sackville, with
orders for him to deliver up all the places that he held under the
Government. In a letter to Sir Horace Mann, Mr. Walpole says,
" Lord George, the hero of all conversation, if one can be so for
not being a hero, is arrived. He immediately applied for a
court martial ; but was told it was impossible now, as the officers
necessary are in Germany. This was in writing from Lord
Holdernesse ; but Lord Ligonier in words was more squab —
' If he wanted a court martial, he might go seek it in Germany.'
With his parts and ambition it cannot end here. He calls himself
ruined ; but when the parliament meets, he will probably attempt
some sort of revenge."
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 425
MAJOR-GENERAL WOLFE TO THE EARL OF
HOLDERNESSE.
On board the Sutherland, at anchor off Cape Rouge,
September 9, 1759. (l)
My Lord,
If the Marquis de Montcalm had shut himself
up in the town of Quebec, it would have been
(l) This painfully interesting letter was written on the 9th
of September ; only four days before the death of Wolfe. It
reached England on the 14th of October; and three days after,
in the midst of gloom and despair, an express arrived that Que-
bec was taken. The following is Horace Walpole's animated
description of this memorable event : — " The incidents of
dramatic fiction could not be conducted with more address to
lead an audience from despondency to sudden exultation, than
accident prepared to excite the passions of a whole people.
They despaired — they triumphed — and they wept, — for Wolfe
had fallen in the hour of victory ! Joy, grief, curiosity, astonish-
ment, were painted on every countenance : the more they in-
quired, the higher their admiration rose. Not an incident but
was heroic and affecting ! Wolfe, between persuasion of the
impracticability, unwillingness to leave any attempt untried that
could be proposed, and worn out with anxiety of mind and
body, had determined to make one last effort above the town.
He embarked his forces at one in the morning of the 13th,
and passed the French sentinels in silence that were posted along
the shore. The current carried them beyond the destined spot.
They found themselves at the foot of a precipice, esteemed so
impracticable, that only a slight guard of a hundred and fifty
men defended it. Had there been a path, the night was too
dark to discover it. The troops, whom nothing could discourage,
pulled themselves and one another up by stumps and boughs of
trees. The guard, hearing a rustling, fired down the precipice
at random, as our men did up into the air ; but, terrified by the
strangeness of the attempt, the French picquet fled, — all but the
426 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
long since in our possession, because the defences
are inconsiderable and our artillery very formidable ;
but he has a numerous body of armed men (I
cannot call it an army) and the strongest country,
perhaps, in the world to rest the defence of the
town and colony upon. The ten battalions, and
the grenadiers of Louisbourg, are a chosen body of
troops, and able to fight the united force of Canada
captain, who, though wounded, would not accept quarter, but
fired at one of our officers at the head of five hundred men.
Daybreak discovered our forces in possession of the eminence.
Montcalm could not credit it, when reported to him — but it was
too late to doubt, when nothing but a battle could save the
town. Even then, be held our attempt so desperate, that, being
shown the position of the English, he said, ' Oui, je les vois ou
ils ne doivent pas etre.' Forced to quit his entrenchments, he
said, ' S'il faut done combattre, je vais les ecraser !' He pre-
pared for engagement, after lining the bushes with detachments
of Indians. Our men, according to orders, received their fire
with a patience and tranquillity equal to the resolution they had
exerted in clambering the precipice; but when they gave it, it
took place with such terrible slaughter of the enemy, that half
an hour decided the day. The French fled precipitately ; and
Montcalm, endeavouring to rally them, was killed on the spot.
" The fall of Wolfe was noble indeed. He received a wound
in the head, but covered it from his soldiers with his handker-
chief. A second ball struck him in the belly: that too he dis-
sembled. A third hitting him in the breast, he sunk under the
anguish, and was carried behind the ranks. Yet, fast as life
ebbed out, his whole anxiety centred on the fortune of the day.
He begged to be borne nearer to the action ; but his sight being
dimned by the approach of death, he entreated to be told what
they who supported him saw : he was answered, that the enemy
gave ground. He eagerly repeated the question ; heard the
enemy was totally routed ; cried, ' I am satisfied ! ' — and ex-
pi red." — Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 385.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 427
upon even terms. Our field artillery, brought into
use, would terrify the militia and the savages ; and
oar battalions are in every respect superior to those
commanded by the Marquis, who acts a circum-
spect, prudent part, and entirely defensive ; except,
in one extraordinary instance, he sent sixteen
hundred men over the river to attack our batteries
upon the Point of Levy, defended by four battalions.
Bad intelligence, no doubt, of our strength, induced
him to this measure : however, the detachment
judged better than their general, and retired. They
dispute the water with the boats of the fleet, by the
means of floating batteries, suited to the nature of
the river, and innumerable battoes. They have a
great artillery upon the ramparts towards the sea,
and so placed that shipping cannot affect it.
I meant to attack the left of their entrenchments,
favoured by our artillery, the 31st July. A mul-
titude of traverses prevented, in some measure, its
effect, which was nevertheless very considerable :
accidents hindered the attack, and the enemy's care
to strengthen that post has made it since too
hazardous. The town is totally demolished, and
the country in a great measure ruined ; particularly
the lower Canada. Our fleet blocks up the river,
both above and below the town, but can give no
manner of assistance in an attack upon the Cana-
dian army. We have continual skirmishes ; old
people, seventy years of age, and boys of fifteen, fire
at our detachments, and kill or wound our men
from the edges of the woods. Every man able to
428 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
bear arms, both above and below Quebec, is in the
camp of Beauport. The old men, women, and
children are retired into the woods. The Canadians
are extremely dissatisfied ; but, curbed by the force
of this government, and terrified by the savages
that are posted round about them, they are obliged
to keep together, to work and to man the entrench-
ments. Upwards of twenty sail of ships got in
before our squadron, and brought succours of all
sorts; which were exceedingly wanted in the colony.
The sailors of these ships help to work the guns,
and others conduct the floating batteries ; their
ships are lightened and carried up the river out of
our reach, at least out of the reach of the men of
war. These ships serve a double purpose : they
are magazines for their provisions, and at the same
time cut off all communication between General
Amherst's army and the corps under my command ;
so that we are not able to make any detachment to
attack Montreal, or favour the junction, or, by
attacking the fort of Chambly, or Bourlemaqui's
corps behind, open the general's way into Canada;
all which might have been easily done with ten
floating batteries carrying each a gun, and twenty
flat-bottomed boats, if there had been no ships in
the river. Our poor soldiery have worked without
ceasing and without murmuring ; and as often as
the enemy have attempted upon us, they have been
repulsed by the valour of the men. A woody
country so well known to the enemy, and an enemy
so vigilant and hardy as the Indians and Canadians
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 129
are, make entrenchments everywhere necessary ;
and by this precaution we have saved a number of
lives, for scarce a night passes that they are not
close in upon our posts, watching an opportunity
to surprise and murder. There is very little quarter
given on either side.
We have seven hours, and sometimes (above the
town, after rain) near eight hours of the most
violent ebb tide that can be imagined, which loses
us an infinite deal of time, in every operation on
the water ; and the stream is so strong, particularly
here, that the ships often drag their anchors by
the mere force of the current. The bottom is a
bed of rock ; so that a ship, unless it hooks a ragged
rock, holds by the weight only of the anchor.
Doubtless, if the equinoctial gale has any force, a
number of ships must necessarily run ashore and
be lost.
The day after the troops landed upon the Isle
of Orleans, a violent storm had nigh ruined the
expedition altogether. Numbers of boats were
lost ; all the whale boats and most of the cutters
were stove ; some flat-bottomed boats destroyed,
and others damaged. We never had half as many
of the latter as are necessary for this extraordinary
and very important service. The enemy is able
to fight us upon the water, whenever we are out
of the reach of the cannon of the fleet.
The extreme heat of the weather in August,
and a good deal of fatigue, threw me into a fever ;
but that the business might go on, I begged the
ISO CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
generals to consider amongst themselves what was
fittest to be done. Their sentiments were una-
nimous, that (as the easterly winds begin to blow,
and ships can pass the town in the night with
provisions, artillery, &c.) we should endeavour, by
conveying a considerable corps into the upper
river, to draw them from their inaccessible situation,
and bring them to an action. I agreed to the
proposal ; and we are now here, with about three
thousand six hundred men, waiting an opportunity
to attack them, when and wherever they can best
be got at. The weather has been extremely un-
favourable for a day or two, so that we have been
inactive. I am so far recovered as to do business ;
but my constitution is entirely ruined, without the
consolation of having done any considerable service
to the state ; or without any prospect of it. I have
the honour to be, with great respect, my Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient
and most humble servant,
Jam. Wolfe.
DR. MARKHAM(i) TO THE DUCHESS OF
QUEENSBURY.
Westminster, September 25, 1759.
Madam,
1 must entreat your Grace's pardon for the
trouble I am giving you. It is in behalf of a very
(!) This eminent and excellent man was at this time head-
master of Westminster school, and prebendary of Durham. In
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 431
deserving person, with whom I have long had a
close friendship. My acquaintance with your
Grace's (') sentiments and feelings persuades me,
that I shall not want advocates when I have told
you my story.
The consulship at Madrid has been vacant these
eight months. Lord Bristol is writing pressing
letters to have a consul appointed. I am informed
that the office lies so much out of the road of com-
mon applications, that it has not yet been asked
for ; that it has been offered to some, who have de-
clined it ; and that Mr. Pitt is actually at a loss for
a proper person to appoint to it. This has en-
couraged my friend to think of it. It so happens,
that those who might serve him are mostly out of
town. He expects, indeed, recommendations from
some whom he has writ to. The warm part that I
1765, he obtained the deanery of Rochester, and in 1767, that of
Christ Church. In 1771, he was made bishop of Chester, and
appointed preceptor to the Prince of Wales, afterwards George
the Fourth, and to the Duke of York. In 1776, he was translated
to the archbishoprick of York, and died in 1807, in his eighty-
ninth year.
(!) Lady Catherine Hyde, daughter of Henry Hyde, Earl of
Clarendon, and wife of Charles Douglas, third Duke of Queens-
bury, — the famous beauty celebrated by Prior, in the poem
beginning, " Thus Kitty, beautiful and young ;" described by
Gay as " the cheerful Duchess," — " for friendship, zeal, and
blithsome humours known ;" and frequently mentioned in Swift's
and in Pope's letters. In 1728, she was forbid the court, for pro-
moting subscriptions to the second part of the Beggars' Opera,
when it had been prohibited from being acted. She died in
1777.
432 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
take in all his interests obliges me to avail myself
of the honour I have of being known to your
Grace, and to beg as much of your assistance
with Mr. Pitt, as you think you can give me with
propriety.
It is time I should say who my friend is. His
name is Edmond Burke. As a literary man he may
possibly be not quite unknown to you. He is the
author of a piece which imposed on the world as
Lord Bolingbroke's, called, " The Advantages of
Natural Society," and of a very ingenious book
published last year, called, " A Treatise on the
Sublime and the Beautiful.'^1)
I must farther say of him, that his chief appli-
cation has been to the knowledge of public busi-
ness, and our commercial interests ; that he seems
to have a most extensive knowledge, with extra-
ordinary talents for business, and to want nothing
but ground to stand upon to do his country very
important services. Mr. Wood (2), the under secre-
tary, has some knowledge of him, and will, I am
persuaded, do ample justice to his abilities and
character. As for myself, as far as my testimony
may serve him, I shall freely venture it on all
(!) Mr. Burke's Cl Vindication of Natural Society " appeared
in 1756, and his " Philosophical Inquiry into the Origin of our
Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful " in 1758.
(2) Mr. Wood was himself an author, and had at this time
given to the world two splendid works, in folio, entitled, " Ruins
of Palmyra," and " Ruins of Balbec." His " Essay on the
Original Genius and Writings of Homer," which has been quoted
and commended by Dr. Warton, was published in 1775.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 433
occasions ; as I value him not only for his learning
and talents, but as being, in all points of character,
a most amiable and most respectable man.
I hope your Grace will forgive my taking up so
much of your time. I am really so earnest in this
gentleman's behalf, that if I can be instrumental
in helping him, I shall think it one of the most
fortunate events of my life. I beg leave to trouble
you with my compliments to the Duke ; and am,
with a fresh remembrance of your many kindnesses,
Your Grace's most obliged
and most faithful servant,
W. Markham.
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
[From a draught in Mr. Pitt's handwriting.]
September 27, 1759.
My Lord,
A continuation of the slight eruption I had
upon me, together with a large increase of the
deep sense I must have of unexampled depressions,
prevents my having the honour of meeting your
Grace at Kensington to-morrow.
Unconscious as I am of want of fidelity and
diligence, in sustaining the vast and dangerous
load his Majesty has been pleased to lay on my
feeble shoulders, I will forbear now and for ever
entering into a subject, where I may possibly
judge amiss, and wherein above all things I most
VOL. I. F F
434 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
wish not greatly to err. I shall therefore rest it
on the judgment of others, at all times much better
than mine, whether, considering Lord Temple's
station and my own, the pretension in question
has any thing in it exorbitant, or derogatory to
the King's honour, or contrary to the good of his
affairs. All I mean at present to trouble your
Grace with, is to desire, that when next my re-
luctant steps shall bring me up the stairs of
Kensington and mix me with the dust of the
antechamber, I may learn, once for all, whether
the King continues finally inexorable and obdurate
to all such united entreaties and remonstrances,
as, except towards me and mine, never fail of
success.
I beg your Grace to believe that I am par-
ticularly sorry to be forced to add this to all the
obliging trouble you have been so good as to take
already on such an occasion, and that I am ever,
with great truth and respect,
Your Grace's, &c. &c.
W. Pitt.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
CJaremont, September 27, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I have received the honour of your letter, and
am extremely sorry for the continuation of your
slight indisposition, and that I shall not have the
honour to see you to-morrow at Kensington. No-
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 435
body can lament more for the King's own sake, as
well as for other reasons, the ill success of the
many representations which have been made to
his Majesty. In making my report of what passed
yesterday (which I shall do to-morrow, in the best
manner I am able), I shall add all the weight that
may most justly be drawn from the force of the
letter, with which you honoured me this day. I
wish from the bottom of a most sincere heart, that
I may be able to send you such an answer as may
be agreeable to you. Hitherto, I have no satisfac-
tion, but that I have done my best, and I hope
showed the truth and respect with which I am,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant,
Holles Newcastle.
P. S. The Duchess of Newcastle begs her best
compliments to you and Lady Hester.
At night.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Kensington, September 28, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I never sat down to write with more real concern
and uneasiness than I do at present, being obliged
to acquaint you, that all that I have been able to
say, both in my own name and that of others
f f 2
436 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
(what I was in hopes would still have had more
effect), and the best use I could make of the very
proper conversation which I had the honour to
have with you on Wednesday last upon this subject,
enforced by the contents of your letter of yesterday,
have not produced any alteration in the answer,
which I was then directed to give.
I have done my duty, have acted agreeably to
my conscience and to my declarations, and have
omitted nothing, which I thought could in the
least contribute to the success of what I had myself
so much at heart, and appeared to me so necessary
for the service of the King and the public. This
is my only comfort. I hope soon to have the
pleasure of seeing you, and of acquainting you with
some fewy not material, circumstances. I most
sincerely lament and grieve, and am, with the
truest respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant
Holles Newcastle.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, October 4, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I was extremely glad to meet you in the Park ;
hoping from thence that your slight indisposition
was quite over. That any thing else, which may
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 437
have given you uneasiness may also be ended to
your satisfaction, is the most sincere wish, and has
been and shall be the earnest endeavour of, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate and
most humble servant,
Holles Newcastle.
MR. PITT TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
St. James's Square, October 4, 1759.
My Lord,
I was at table when the honour of your Grace's
letter came, or I should not have deferred a
moment expressing my best thanks for the obliging
marks of your Grace's attention to my health; the
little alteration wherein has been next to nothing.
The conclusion of your letter is so friendly,
that it makes it very hard to keep entirely my
word to your Grace in mine from Hayes, never to
enter again into a certain subject. I will, however,
return no farther to the matter than to observe,
that, in my estimation of things, a grace, whose
first value was approbation of sincere though feeble
endeavours, once refused with hardness, can never,
in a true sense, be given.
I am, with the greatest truth and respect, your
Grace's
Most obedient and
affectionate humble servant,
W. Pitt.
F F 3
438 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
EARL TEMPLE TO MR. PITT.
October 13, 1759.
My dear Mr. Pitt,
Since I came to town last night, I have learnt
a fresh instance of your warm and affectionate
friendship towards me ; which I have ever thought
and felt to be the greatest honour and pleasure of
my life. You have been so good as to ask of his
Majesty the garter for me, as a reward to yourself,
and the only one you desire, for all the great and
eminent services you have done to the King, to the
nation, and to the Electorate ; to which request
you have, it seems, hitherto met with a refusal.
At the same time that I thank you, and am
proud to receive any testimony of your kind re-
gard, permit me to add, that I am not so mean-
spirited as to condescend to receive, in my own
person, the reward of another man's services, how-
ever dear to me, as you so deservedly are on every
account. Let the King continue to enjoy in peace
the pleasure and honour of this refusal ; for if he
should happen to be disposed, for other reasons
than those of gratitude to you, which will have no
weight with him, to give me that mark of distinc-
tion, I will not accept it on such terms.
I choose, for many reasons, to write to you
upon this subject, rather than talk it over. Do
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 439
me only the justice to believe me, with the truest
affection, my dear Mr. Pitt,
Your most loving brother,
Temple. (*)
Tuesday morning.
MR. PITT TO PRINCE FERDINAND OF BRUNSWICK.
[From a draught in Mr. Pitt's handwriting.]
Whitehall, ce 16 Octobre, 1759.
MONSEIGNEUR,
Votre Altesse Serenissime prend un interet
trop vif a tout ce qui regarde la gloire des armes du
Roi, en toutes les parties du monde, pour que je
ne saississe point la poste de ce soir pour la com-
muniquer a V. A. S. L'importante ville de Quebec
(') In a letter to Sir Horace Mann, of the 16th of November,
Mr. Walpole says : — " A very extraordinary event happened-the
day after the meeting of parliament: on the 13th of November
Lord Temple resigned the privy seal. The account he gives
himself is, that he continued to be so ill used by the King, that
it was notorious to all the world; that in hopes of taking off
that reproach, he had asked for the Garter ; being refused, he
had determined to resign, at the same time beseeching Mr. Pitt
not to resent any thing for him, and insisting with his two
brothers that they should keep their places, and act as warmly
as ever with the administration ; that in an audience of twenty-
five minutes, he hoped he had removed his Majesty's prejudices,
and should now go out of town, as well satisfied as any man in
England." On the 16th- of November, Earl Temple, at the
recmest of the King, through the Duke of Devonshire, resumed
his office, and, in the following February, was presented with the
garter.
F F 4
440 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
se rendit par capitulation le 13e du mois passe,
apres que les troupes de sa Majeste eussent rem-
porte une victoire complette sur l'armee Franchise,
dans une action generale, qui se donna le 13e, sur
le bord septentrionale du fleuve St. Laurent, un
peu au-dessus de Quebec. Nous avons le regret
d'avoir perdu notre digne General Wolfe, tue dans
Taction, d'un coup de feu, avec environ cinq cent
homines tues et blesses. On compte que les
Francis en out perdu treize cent, avec M. de
Montcalm, leur general, et plusieurs officiers de
marque.
Permettez, Monseigneur, que je vous offre mes
felicitations sur un evenement, qui doit influer si
puissamment sur la cause commune, et sur le sort de
nos allies. V. A. S. daignera pardonner une lettre
ecrite si fort a la hate, et dictee par un empresse-
ment respectueux de faire parvenir plus prompte-
ment une nouvelle si heureuse.
Je suis, avec le plus profond respect, Mon-
seigneur, de votre Altesse Serenissime, &c. &c.
W. Pitt.
ARCHBISHOP SECKER(') TO MR. PITT.
Lambeth, October 17, 1759.
Sir,
I return, with the utmost joy, the congratu-
lations which you have done me the honour to
(') This distinguished prelate, after sundry preferments, was
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 441
send me, and hope these repeated blessings of
Providence, and particularly this very great and
scarce expected one, will both incline our enemies
to peace, and our own people to a just and lasting
sense of pious gratitude. I purpose to be at Ken-
sington to-day at noon, to receive his Majesty's
commands on this happy occasion (*) ; and, at the
same time, to assure you that I am, with all pos-
sible sincerity and regard, Sir,
Your most faithful
and obedient servant,
Tho. Cant.
ARCHBISHOP SECKER TO MR. PITT.
Lambeth, October 19, 1759.
Sir,
I feel myself very greatly obliged to you for
your frank and friendly remark ; and am sure you
will give me leave to observe to you in return, that
the words of Scripture, Is. xiv. 3. are, The Lord
raised in 1735, to the see of Bristol; from which he was
translated in 1737 to that of Oxford. On the death of Arch-
bishop Hutton, in March 1758, he was placed in the vacant
primacy. Walpole says, that the Duke of Newcastle had great
inclination to give it to Dr. Hay Drummond, bishop of St. Asaph,
" a man of parts, and of the world," but that Lord Hardwicke's
influence carried it for Seeker. He died in 1768.
(!) On the 26th, a proclamation was issued for a public
thanksgiving.
442 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy
fear : and, indeed, our allies have had great cause
for both. But if you apprehend, that this is not
sufficient to secure these expressions from miscon-
struction, I am very willing to substitute those
which you have suggested, than which none can
be more proper ; and shall be always glad to show
myself, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Tho. Cant.
Half-past two.
SIR RICHARD LYTTELTON TO MR. PITT.
October 18, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I cannot express the joy of my heart on the
great and glorious news you have been so good
as to send me, which is rendered still more pre-
cious by the accounts in the gazette-extraordinary
of yesterday. The loss of Wolfe is, indeed, ever to
be lamented ; but Providence gives not the cup of
joy unmixed, and were it not for a little ingredient
of bitterness, it would be too intoxicating. Towns-
hend still remains, and many a gallant officer,
animated by your spirit, and by you brought
forward into action. But what remains for them
to conquer out of Europe? How great — how
glorious ! but I trespass upon your goodness.
Allow me only to add the Duchess of Bridge-
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 443
water's (*) congratulations to you and Lady
Hester.
Ever your most entirely devoted,
R. Lyttelton.
THE EARL OF HARDWICKE TO MR. PITT.
Wimpole, October 18, 1759.
Dear Sir,
With the greatest pleasure I lay hold on this
first opportunity to thank you for the honour of your
very obliging note, which I received by yesterday's
post.
As a dutiful subject to the King, and lover of
my country, and a sincere friend to this admin-
istration, I do, upon the happy event of the con-
quest of Quebec, most cordially congratulate you in
a particular manner. This important, and, at the
instant it came, unexpected success has crowned
the campaign, on the part of England, in the most
glorious manner. God grant that it may lead to
what we all wish — an honourable and lasting peace.
The King has now great materials in his hands for
this good work ; and I make no doubt but his
Majesty and his ministers will make the wisest and
the most advantageous use of them.
I have nothing to add but my best wishes for
(!) Sir Richard married, in 1745, Rachael daughter of
Wriothesley, second Duke of Bedford, and widow of Scroop, first
Duke of Bridgewater.
444 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
your health, and the sincerest assurances of that
perfect respect and esteem, with which I am,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient, and
most humble servant,
Hardwicke.
ANDREW MITCHELL, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.
(Private.)
Torgau, October 22, 1759.
Sir,
After returning you my most hearty thanks
for your kind letter of the 12th of June last,
permit me to congratulate you on the glorious
success of his Majesty's arms, by sea and by land ;
which we here on the continent ascribe to your
manly counsels, and expect to feel the farther
effects of them, where it is much wanted.
I must not conceal from you, that I think the
Prussian affairs are still in a very doubtful and
dangerous situation ; but I cannot despair whilst
the Hero lives. What he has done with a handfull
of men since the unhappy 12th of August last, is
equally as incredible as what his enemies, at the
head of numerous armies, have left undone since
that period.
A few days before his Prussian Majesty left the
camp of Schmotseiffen, in order to fight the
Russians, talking at table of England, he said : —
" // faut avouer que V Angleterre a ete long-terns
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 445
en travail) et qiCelle a beaucoup soufferte pour
produire Monsieur Pitt; mais enfin elle est acouchee
d'un homme" Such a testimony, from such a
prince, crowns you with honour, and fills me with
pleasure.
Allow me, Sir, to recommend to you my private
pretensions and concerns, when occasions offer.
If, hitherto, I have never mentioned them to vou,
the reason will occur to yourself; for no man
wishes more to deserve your friendship than I do,
nor is with more sincerity and attachment, dear
Sir,
Your most obliged and
most obedient humble servant,
And. Mitchell.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Newcastle House, October 23, 1759.
Dear Sir,
The enclosedletters,and my answer to Mr. Yorke,
will I hope convince you, that this is an affair of
no serious consequence whatever, and I am sure
sent to me purely for amusement. I know not one
word of it. When I received it, I read it to the
King for amusement only. I was determined to
say not one word upon it, but to send it back ; as I
should have done this very night, if I did not send
the copies to you. I would not enter into any
correspondence of business, and especially relating
446 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
to peace, with Mr. Yorke, or any of the King's
ministers whatever, upon any account in the world.
I am as innocent and as ignorant of every thing
relating to this affair, if it be of consequence, as
any man alive. You know the whole now, and I
hope you will not think there is the least design of
any kind in it. I was sorry when it was sent me,
and determined to send it back to him again to be
sent to my Lord Holdernesse, as the only proper
person who could make use of it, if it should come
out to be any thing.
I am with great respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Holles Newcastle. (*)
PRINCE FERDINAND OF BRUNSWICK TO MR. PITT.
AN Croffdorff, ce 25 Octobre, 1759.
Monsieur,
Votre Excellence ne s'est point trompee dans
le jugement qu'il lui a plu de porter de la part que
(!) " General Yorke, at the Hague, had received some
anonymous proposals of peace, and had transmitted them to his
father, who communicated them to the Duke of Newcastle. The
latter mentioned them to Knyphausen, the Prussian minister,
who, though enjoined to secrecy, revealed them to Lord
Holdernesse. The latter, who had quitted Newcastle for Pitt,
instantly carried the intelligence to his new patron. Pitt,
enraged to find a negotiation carrying on without the partici-
pation of either secretary, reproached Newcastle in warm terms."
— Walpoles Geo. II. vol ii. 398.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 447
je prendrois a la conquete de Quebec, dont elle a
bien voulu me faire parvenir la nouvelle, et a la
gloire que les armes de sa Majeste y ont acquis de
nouveau. J'en ai ressenti une satisfaction des plus
vives. C'est un double interet qui m'y fait prendre
part — celui de la cause commune, et celui de
l'amitie pour votre Excellence en particulier. Je
me rejouis de tout mon cceur avecvous, Monsieur,
de ce grand evenement ; et je vois en meme temps,
avec un plasir indicible, les succes qui accompagnent
les mesures que vous avez su prendre, avec au-
tant de sagesse que de force. Si la paix se fait
durant cet hiver, elle sera avantageuse. Si la guerre
continue, il y a de l'apparence qu'elle sera faite
avec succes. C'est une justice que toute PEurope
vous doit, et l'Angleterre en particulier, que vous
ne fakes pas les choses a moitie.
Nous avons celebres avec toute la pompe mili-
taire, tant la victoire, que la prise de Quebec. Si
la joie a ete universelle de cet evenement, le regret
d'avoir perdu le brave General Wolfe ne l'a pas
ete moins. Quant a moi, je l'ai vivement partage
avec tous ceux qui le connoissoient personellement,
par tout le bien qu'ils m'en avoient dit.
J'ai Fhonneur d'etre, avec les sentimens de l'ami-
tie et de l'estime les plus parfaites, Monsieur, de
votre Excellence
Le tres humble, tres obeissant serviteur,
Ferdinand Due de Brunswic.
448 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.
Claremont, November 3, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty to send you a draught of the
Speechf1), which I received from my Lord Hardwicke
yesterday, after I saw you. I think it is very well
drawn, and a very proper one ; but it is always
subject to sucli alterations as you may think proper
to make.
I suggested to my Lord Hardwicke the con-
necting in some manner the mention of peace,
with the transaction now carrying on for that
purpose. I am very sorry to acquaint you that he
has been, and is still so much out of order, that
he had neither strength nor spirits to do it. I have
therefore taken the liberty to suggest a few words,
upon a separate paper, which seem to me to coin-
cide with your idea ; but this, as well as every
other part of the Speech, is entirely submitted to
you.(2) Lord Hardwicke is advised by his physician
(!) The King's speech on opening the session.
(2) The parliament met on the 13th of the month. Horace
Walpole, who was present, gives the following account of what
passed in the House of Commons : — "Beckford, by a high-flown
ecomium on Mr. Pitt, paved the way for that minister to open
on his own and our situation ; which he did with great address,
seeming to waive any merit, but stating our success in a manner
that excluded all others from a share in it. He disclaimed
particular praise, and professed his determination of keeping
united with the rest of the ministers. Fidelity and diligence
was all he could boast, though his bad health perhaps had caused
him to relax somewhat of his application. Not a week, he said,
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 449
to get to town as soon as he can ; and he proposes,
if possible, to be in town this evening.
As I shall not have an opportunity of seeing him
till Monday evening, I hope there will be no in-
convenience in putting off our meeting with the
Prussian ministers till Tuesday noon at Kensington,
or Tuesday evening at Lord Holdernesse's house ;
and by that time we shall be more certain of having
an answer from Prince Lewis. I am, with great
respect, dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Holles Newcastle.
had passed in the summer but had been a crisis, in which he
had not known whether he should be torn in pieces, or com-
mended, as he was now, by Mr. Beckford ; that the more a
man was versed in business, the more he found the hand of
Providence everywhere ; that success had given us unanimity,
not unanimity success ; that for himself, however, he could
not have dared as he had done, but in these times. Other
ministers had hoped as well, but had not been circumstanced to
dare as much. He thought the stone almost rolled to the top of
the hill ; but it might roll back with dreadful supercussion. A
weak moment in the field, or in council, might overturn all ; for
there was no such thing as chance ; it was the unaccountable
name of Nothing. All was Providence, whose favour was to be
merited by virtue. Our allies must be supported : if one wheel
stopped, all might. He had unlearned his juvenile errors, and
thought no longer that England could do all by itself. He ended
with a mention of peace. Any body, he said, could advise him
in war : who could draw such a peace as would please every
body ? He would snatch at the first moment of peace, though
he wished he could leave off at the war. This conclusion seemed
to come from his heart, and perhaps escaped him without design.
Though no man knew so well how to say what he pleased, no
man ever knew so little what he was going to say." — Memoirs,
vol. ii. p. 389.
VOL. I. G G
450 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
MRS. WOLFE TO MR. PITT.
Blackheath, November 6, 1759.
Sir,
I make no doubt but you will be surprised to
receive a letter from the most distressed and
afflicted of mortals (*) ; but as you did my dear son
the honour to entrust him with so great and im-
portant an affair as the taking of Quebec, which
you, Sir, planned and he executed, I hope to his
Majesty's, your, and his country's satisfaction, —
though God knows, to my irreparable loss — yet
it occurs to me, that there may be some papers
or orders of yours, relating to the government
service, which will come to me. If you will
honour me with your commands, I shall send
them by a faithful and trusty gentleman, who
carries this, lieutenant Scott ; and no eye shall
see them but your own.
(!) " The mother of General Wolfe," wrote Mr. Burke, in
the Annual Register for this year, " was an object marked out
for pity by great and peculiar distress. The public wound
pierced her mind with a particular affection, who had expe-
rienced the dutiful son, the amiable domestic character, whilst
the world admired the accomplished officer. Within a few
months she had lost her husband : she now lost her son, her
only child. The populace of the village where she lived unani-
mously agreed to admit no illuminations or firings, or any other
sign of rejoicing whatsoever, near her house, lest they should
seem, by an ill-timed triumph, to insult over her grief. There
was a justness in this ; and whoever knows the people, knows
that they made no small sacrifice on this occasion."
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 451
The present situation of* my tortured mind will,
I hope, plead my excuse for all mistakes. I have
the honour to be, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
H. Wolfe.
P. S. — I beg, Sir, that you and Lady Hester Pitt
will accept of my grateful thanks for the honour
you did me in enquiring after my health.
MR. PITT TO MRS. WOLFE.
Hayes, November 8, 1759.
Madam,
I esteem myself as truly honoured as I am deeply
affected, with the favour of your very obliging
letter. The attention which you are so good as to
give, in the circumstances in which you write, to
such papers as may come to your hands relative to
the King's service, is worthy of the mother of such
a son. Your affliction is too just to receive any
degree of consolation from one who feels, Madam,
the cause of your sorrow too sincerely and sensibly,
to be able to offer any topics of relief to you.
May Heaven, who assists the virtuous, grant you
every possible comfort, under a loss which nothing
can repair to you or to England !
Be assured, Madam, that I shall think myself
honoured and happy in being able to serve whoever
had the patronage of him who could only protect
merit. Lieutenant Bell will, I trust, soon receive
g g 2
45*2 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759-
marks of the King's regard to the memory of
General Wolfe.
I am, with the most perfect respect, Madam,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant,
W. PlTT.C1)
Lady Hester begs leave to assure you of her
best respects.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL TOWNSHEND TO MR. PITT.
On board the Somerset, 12 o'clock,
November 19, 1759.
Sir,
Having this moment been prevented from bring-
ing you the despatches which General Monckton
(!) On the 21st of the month, Mr. Pitt moved the House of
Commons for an address to the King, to direct a monument to
be erected in Westminster Abbey to the memory of Wolfe. His
speech upon this occasion is thus characterised by Walpole : —
"In a low and plaintive voice, he pronounced a kind of funeral
oration. It was, perhaps, the worst harangue he ever uttered.
His eloquence was too native not to suffer by being crowded
into a ready prepared mould. The parallels which he drew
from Greek and Roman story did but flatten the pathetic of
the topic. Mr. Pitt himself had done more for Britain than any
orator for Rome. Our three last campaigns had overrun more
world than they conquered in a century ; and for the Grecians,
their story were a pretty theme if the town of St. Albans were
waging war with that of Brentford. The horror of the night,
the precipice scaled by Wolfe, the empire he,with a handful of men,
added to England, and the glorious catastrophe of contentedly
terminating life where his fame began - — ancient story may be
ransacked, and ostentatious philosophy thrown into the account,
before an episode can be found to rank with Wolfe's." — Memoirs*
voV ii. p. 392.
1759/ THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 453
charged me with at Quebec, by Admiral Saunders
directing his course for Admiral Hawke instead of
England,^) I beg leave to trouble you with these
lines to inform you, thatwhen we left Quebec, which
was the 18th October, the garrison was in a very good
state, considering the time and labour requisite to
provide for so long a winter. The French were
cantooning themselves as well as they could about
Jacques Quartier, though in great distress for want of
almost the common necessaries of life ; the country
harassed extremely by the necessary oppression
they undergo to supply their army.
As the admiral assures me that I shall have an
opportunity to send or bring these despatches by a
frigate, within a day or two after we have joined
(J) Two days after the date of this letter, Mr. Pitt, in moving
the thanks of the House of Commons to the admirals and
generals employed in the expedition against Quebec, men-
tioned them all, particularly Admiral Saunders, whose merit, he
said, had equalled those who have beaten armadas : " May I
anticipate?" cried he, " those who will beat armadas ! " His
anticipation of Saunders's renown was prophetic : " That ad-
miral," says Walpole, " was a pattern of most steady bravery,
united with the most unaffected modesty ; no man said less, or
deserved more. Simplicity in his manners, generosity, and
good-nature, adorned his genuine love of his country. His
services at Quebec had been eminent. Returning thence, he
heard that M. Conflans had taken the opportunity of Sir
Edward Hawke's retiring to Gibraltar to refit, and had sailed
out of Brest. Saunders, who heard the news at Plymouth, far
from thinking he had done enough, turned back instantaneously,
and sailed to assist Hawke. His patriotism dictated that step,
and would not wait for other orders. He arrived too late —
but a moment so embraced could not be accounted lost." —
Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 394.
G G 3
454 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
Sir Edward Hawke, I thought it better than by the
chance of a transport vessel without convoy; nor
could I, perhaps, properly leave this ship, now
sailing with such a prospect of an action, which I
hope I shall soon have the honour of congratulating
you upon, as the most decisive stroke ever struck
to the French nation.
Accept, Sir, my congratulations upon the glorious
success of his Majesty's arms this year ; which I
hope will be followed, in a few clays, by the best
accounts. (') I have the honour to be, dear Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Geo. Townshnd.
(!) The glorious victory which, on the following day, Sir
Edward Hawke obtained over the French squadron off Quiberon
Bay, is thus graphically described by Walpole : — " On the first
notice that the French fleet had escaped out of Brest, that
prudent and active officer, Sir Edward Hawke, sailed in quest of
it. He had twenty-three ships •, they twenty-one. He came up
with them on their own coast ; and, before half his fleet had
joined him, began the attack. Conflans at first made a show of
fighting, but soon took the part of endeavouring to shelter
himself among the rocks, of which that coast is full. It was the
20th of November : the shortness of the day prevented the total
demolition of the enemy : but neither darkness nor a dreadful
tempest that ensued could call off Sir Edward from pursuing
his blow. The roaring of the elements was redoubled by the
thunder from our ships ; and both concurred, in that scene of
horror, to put a period to the navy and hopes of France. Seven
ships of the line got into the river Vilaine, eight more escaped
to different ports. Conflans's own ship and another were run on
shore and burnt. One we took. Two of ours were lost in the
storm, but the crews saved. Lord Howe, who attacked the
Formidable, bore down on her with such violence, that her prow
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 455
HORACE WALPOLE (i) TO MR. PITT.
November 19, 1759.
Sir,
On my coming to town I did myself the honour
of waiting on you and Lady Hester Pitt ; and
though I think myself extremely distinguished by
forced in his lower tier of guns. Captain Digby, in the
Dunkirk, received the fire of twelve of the enemy's ships, and
lost not a man. Keppel's was full of water, and he thought it
sinking : a sudden squall emptied his ship, but he was informed
all his powder was wet — ' Then,' said he, ' I am sorry I am
safe.' They came and told him, a small quantity was un-
damaged — ' Very well/ said he, ' then attack again.' Not
above eight of our ships were engaged in obtaining that decisive
victory." — See Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 395.
(') Horace Walpole, the third and youngest son of Sir Ro-
bert Walpole, was born in 1717, and educated at Eton school
and King's College, Cambridge. He entered the House of
Commons in September 1741, and finally retired therefrom in
1768 ; upon which occasion, he wrote thus to Mr. George Mon-
tague : — "I do not think that I shall repent my resolution ;
for what could I see but sons and grandsons playing over the
same knaveries, that I have seen their fathers and grandfathers
act? Could I hear oratory beyond my Lord Chatham's ? Will
there ever be parts equal to Charles Townshend's ?" From
this time he devoted himself to literary and antiquarian pursuits.
In 1791, on the death of his nephew, he succeeded to the title
of Earl of Orford ; which he affected to despise, calling it a new
name for a superannuated old man of seventy-four. He never
took his seat in the House of Lords, and died in 1797, in his
eightieth year. Of his posthumous " Memoirs af the Last Ten
Years of George the Second," which appeared in 1822, it may
not be improper to observe, that the characters which the author
has therein drawn of his political enemies, ought to be inva-
riably read with considerable distrust.
G G 4
456 CORRESPONDENCE OF
1759.
your obliging note, I should be sorry for having
given you the trouble of writing it, if it did not
lend me a very pardonable opportunity of saying
what I much wished to express, but thought myself
too private a person and of too little consequence
to take the liberty to say. In short, Sir, I was
eager to congratulate you on the lustre you have
thrown on this country ; I wished to thank you for
the security you have fixed to me of enjoying the
happiness I do enjoy. You have placed England
in a situation in which it never saw itself — a task
the more difficult, as you had not to improve but
recover.
In a trifling book, written two or three years
ago(1), I said (speaking of the name in the world the
most venerable to me), " sixteen unfortunate and
inglorious years since his removal have already
written his eulogium." It is but justice to you, Sir,
to add, that that period ended when your adminis-
tration began.
Sir, do not take this for flattery : there is nothing
in your power to give that I would accept ; nay,
there is nothing I could envy, but what I believe
you would scarce offer me, your glory. This may
seem very vain and insolent ; but consider, Sir, what
a monarch is a man who wants nothing ; consider
how he looks down on one who is only the most
illustrious man in Britain. But, Sir, freedoms apart ;
insignificant as I am, probably it must be some
satisfaction to a great mind like your's, to receive
(') His " Catalogue of Royal and Noble Authors."
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 457
incense when you are sure there is no flattery
blended with it. And what must any Englishman
be that could give you a moment's satisfaction, and
would hesitate ?
Adieu, Sir. I am unambitious, lam uninterested,
— but I am vain. You have by your notice, un-
canvassed, unexpected, and at the period when you
certainly could have the least temptation to stoop
down to me, flattered me in the most agreeable
manner. If there could arrive the moment when
you could be nobody, and I any body, you cannot
imagine how grateful I would be. In the mean
time, permit me to be, as I have been ever since I
had the honour of knowing you, Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Horace Walpole.
MR. PITT TO LADY HESTER PITT.
[November 19, 1759.] ,
My sweetest Love,
After much court and more House of Com-
mons, with Jemmy Rivers (') since a hasty repast,
what refreshment and delight to sit down to ad-
dress these lines to the dearest object of my every
thought ! I will begin with telling you I am well ;
for that it is my happiness to know my adored
first wishes to hear ; and I will next tell myself
(*) One of the under secretaries.
458 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
(and trust in heaven that my hopes don't deceive
me), that this letter will find you and all our little
angels in perfect health ; them in joyful, and you
in serene and happy spirits. The bitter wind has
forbid all garden occupations, and little William (!)
will naturally have called your attentions more
towards that springing human plant, than to objects
out of doors.
I wait with longing impatience for the groom's
return, with ample details of you and yours. Send
me, my sweetest life, a thousand particulars of all
those little-great things which, to those who are
blessed as we, so far surpass in excellence and ex-
ceed in attraction, all the great-little things of the
busy, restless world. That laborious world for-
bids my wished-for journey on Wednesday, and
protracts till the evening our happy meeting.
No news but what your faithful papers ad-
minister at breakfast ; except, what perhaps they
may not notice, viz. that Lord George Sackville has
shown his face at the opera. The event is hardly
worth mentioning ; as nothing was wanting to
complete that great man's heroic assurance.
Your ever loving husband,
W. Pitt.
Monday night, eleven o'clock.
(*) Their second son, born on the 28th of May.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 459
MRS. WOLFE TO MR. PITT.
Blackheath, November 27, 1759.
Sir,
On Saturday last Captain Bell sent me my dear
son's box of papers and letters, after keeping them
a fortnight ; the sight of which agitated me so
much, that till this day I was incapable of doing
myself the honour of writing or sending them to
you. It gives me great uneasiness, Sir, to find
that Mr. Bell has officiously and without any au-
thority opened the box, and looked over both the
public and private papers it contained, and, as he
terms it, sorted them ; — a proceeding I look upon
as very unjustifiable, and which lias defeated the
intention I had of no one's seeing them but your-
self. But be assured, Sir, they are sent exactly as
I received them from Captain Bell. If they will
now be any way satisfactory to you, it will give
me great pleasure ; who have the honour to be,
with great respect, Sir,
Your most obliged and
most obedient humble servant,
H. Wolfe.
P. S. — I beg leave to present my best com-
pliments to Lady Hester Pitt and Miss Pitt. Might
I, Sir, presume to take the liberty of recommend-
ing any one person to your protection, it is the
bearer, Lieutenant Grant Scott ; who, in losing
my son, has lost his only friend and interest.
460 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
MR. PITT TO PRINCE FERDINAND OF BRUNSWICK.
November 27, 1759.
MONSEIGNEUR,
Agreez que j'offre encore a V. A. S. les felici-
tations les plus vives et les plus respectueuses,
sur toutes les belles manoeuvres et sur les brillants
succes qui viennent de rendre la fin de la cam-
pagne digne de tout le reste. Les merveilles que
V. A. S. ne cesse d'operer feroient du cote de la
gloire des armes alliees, compensation des mal-
heurs de la Stade ; mais sur le tableau que vous
avez daigne faire, Monseigneur, des affaires de
sa Majeste Prusienne, quelques ressources qu'on
doivent toujours attribuer au genie de ce grand
Monarque, on ne peut qu'apprehender vivement
pour les suites de la campagne prochaine. Les fa-
cheuses influences que doivent en deriver les etats
de sa Majeste sont mises dans un jour si frappant
par les judicieuses reflections dont il a phi a V. A. S.
de m'honorer, que j'aurois cm manquer essentielle-
ment au Roi, si j'eusse differe un moment de faire
l'usage convenable de ses hautes lumieres, y met-
tant toute la circonspection et le secret, que la
nature de la chose exige, et que V. A. S. me
present.
My Lord Holdernesse depeche ce soir, en con-
sequence, des instructions a Mr. Yorke de sonder
M. d'Affry sur les dispositions de sa cour ; et Mr.
Mitchell et pareillement instruit de recommander
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 46l
a sa Majeste Prusienne de tacher d'ouvrir avec la
France quelque negotiation. Q
Voici, Monseigneur, le prompt effet des lu-
mieres et des raisonnemens que vous avez daigne
me confier, et ou la franchise d'une ame vraiment
grande se fait admirer, autant que la force d'un
esprit superieur.
Permettez, Monseigneur, que je vous renouvelle
tous les hommages deja entierement devoue a
V. A. S. ; et vivement penetre de nouveau de cette
derniere marque de confiance dont elle vient de
m'honorer, je suis, &c. &c.
W. Pitt.
(J) The following is a copy of the Declaration which Prince
Louis of Brunswick was desired to deliver to the ministers of the
belligerent powers residing at the Hague, in the name of the
Kings of England, and of Prussia : —
" Their Britannic and Prussian Majesties, touched with com-
passion when they reflect on the evils which have been occa-
sioned, and must still necessarily result, from the war which has
been kindled for some years past, would think themselves
wanting to the duties of humanity, and particularly regardless
of the interest they take in the preservation and welfare of their
respective kingdoms and subjects, if they neglected to use proper
measures towards checking the progress of this cruel pestilence,
and to contribute towards the re-establishment of public tran-
quillity. It is with this view, and in order to ascertain the sin-
cerity of their intentions in this respect, that their aforesaid
Majesties have resolved to make the following Declaration : —
" That they are ready to send plenipotentiaries to any place
which shall be judged most convenient, in order to treat, in con-
junction, concerning a general and firm peace, with those whom
the belligerent powers shall think proper to authorise on their
side, towards the accomplishment of so salutary an end."
i02 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
MRS. WOLFE TO MR. PITT.
Blackheath, November 30, 1759.
Sir,
The great honour your letter of the 28th does
me, has given me resolution, which no other con-
sideration could do, to make an application, which
I hope, Sir, you will not disapprove. My dear
son, not knowing the disposition his father had
made of his fortune — which was wholly settled on
me for life, and magnified by fame greatly beyond
wdiat it really is — has left to his friends more than
a third part of it ; and, though I should have the
greatest pleasure imaginable in discharging these
legacies in my lifetime, I cannot do it without dis-
tressing myself to the highest degree.
My request to you, good and great Sir, is, that
you will honour me with your instructions, how
I may, in the properest manner, address his Ma-
jesty for a pension, to enable me to fulfil the ge-
nerous and kind intentions of my most dear lost
son to his friends, and to live like the relict of
General Wolfe (') and General Wolfe's mother. I
hope, Sir, you will pardon this liberty. I have the
honour to be, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obliged and most
obedient, humble servant,
H. Wolfe. (2)
(1) Lieut.General Edward Wolfe died in the preceding March.
(2) Mrs. Wolfe died in 1764, bequeathing sundry sums to
the families of the officers who served at Quebec under her
son, 500/. to Bromley college, and 1000/. to the society for pro-
moting English Protestant working-schools in Ireland.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 463
MEMORANDUM TRANSMITTED BY LORD HOWE TO
MR. PITT.
At Vannes, November 30, 1759.
A conversation, happening with the Duke
D' Aiguillon (]) the evening before my departure
from Vannes, on the subject of the different state
of affairs in the two kingdoms, and the favourable
conjuncture for the offer of such conditions of
peace as might amply correspond with the motives
inducing the British court to enter into the present
war, — it occurred to the Duke to request a second
interview with me next morning, when just then
preparing to set out on my return to the fleet :
whereupon ensued the presentation of full powers,
vested in himself alone, to treat of peace on such
terms as should be thought suitable on either part ;
the procuring of which was expressed, in those
powers given for the occasion, to be the object
of the French armament in the proposed invasion
of the British islands.
This overture the Duke desired might be made
known to Mr. Secretary Pitt with all convenient
dispatch ; and if acceptable, (led by the honour
done me in the summer of the last year to misjudge
so far of my pretentions) was very urgent that I
should apply for a proper authority, with the which
(!) A considerable number of French troops were at this
time assembled, under the Duke D' Aiguillon, at Vannes in
Lower Bretagne, to assist in the threatened invasion of England.
4(J4 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
he would in that case be likewise provided, in order
for our proceeding thereupon together in the con-
clusion of this business. He alleged it as a chief
reason, in answer to my relation of the objections
which would naturally be made to this part of his
proposal, that by such my appointment (seemingly
for the single purpose of commanding the guard
on the port of equipment) under cloak of the
friendly acquaintance already established, a mutual
intercourse might be carried on unsuspected, and
this negociation conducted with the utmost privacy
regarding the French allies. He added also his
wishes that a cessation of arms might take place in
the mean time.
Not thinking it necessary to dwell longer upon
the impropriety of my aiming at such a distinction
on which he continued to lay much stress, relative
to his own farther concernment as a principal in
this matter, — or deeming it of any present conse-
quence to undeceive him in that respect, — I closed
the conversation, by assuring him that these several
particulars should be communicated in substance
as desired, and an answer thereunto requested ;
for the receipt of which he signified, that the
French court would be accordingly prepared.
Howe.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 465
THE RIGHT HON. RICHARD RIGBY TO MR. PITT. (')
Dublin Castle, December 2, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I am most excessively obliged to you for your
very kind private letter of the 21st of November.
To be in any respect esteemed by you, I do assure
you has been the object of my wishes, ever since
I had the good fortune to be a little known to you
(J) Mr. Rigby was at this time one of the lords of trade in
England, master of the rolls in Ireland, and secretary to the
Duke of Bedford ; by whom he was introduced into public life,
and to whom he had chiefly recommended himself by his con-
vivial qualities. In 1778, be obtained the lucrative office of
paymaster of the British forces ; and continued to hold it till
the year 1786. He died in 1788. His portrait is thus drawn
by Walpole : — " Rigby had an advantageous and manly person,
recommended by a spirited jollity that was very pleasing,
though sometimes roughened into brutality : of most insinuating
good breeding, when he wished to be agreeable. His passions
were turbulent and overbearing ; his courage bold, and fond of
exerting itself. His parts strong and quick, but totally uncul-
tivated ; and so much had he trusted to unaffected common
sense, that he could never afterwards acquire the necessary
temperament of art in his public speaking. He placed his
honour in steady addiction to whatever faction he was united
with ; and from the gaiety of his temper, having indulged him-
self in profuse drinking, he was often hurried beyond the bounds
of that interest which he meant should govern all his actions,
and which his generous extravagance for ever combated. In
short, he was a man who was seldom liked or hated with mode-
ration ; yet he himself, though a violent opponent, was never
a bitter enemy. His amiable qualities were all natural; his
faults acquired, or fatally linked to him by the chain of some
other failings." — Memoirs, vol. ii. 254-.
VOL. I. H H
466 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
some years ago at Bath. My different connections
in life have not been the pleasanter to me for
setting me at a distance from you ; nor had I ever
an opportunity of meeting you, that I did not feel
a sensible satisfaction in it. I look upon all those
political obstructions as at an end ; and I am the
more happy to find they have made no impression
upon your mind to my disservice, because I esteem
and honour you.
I have written to the Duke of Newcastle to give
up my seat at the board of trade. I know my
own merit too well to expect such pluralities, and
am much flattered that it has been left to me to
resign it. That, and the expeditious manner in
which the mastership of the rolls was obtained
for me, have much enhanced the value of the em-
ployment, and the obligations I am under to those
who were so kind as to solicit it for me ; amongst
the first of whom I reckon Mr. Pitt, and am happy
to owe an obligation to him. Being with the truest
regard, dear Sir,
Your most obliged and
obedient humble servant,
Richd. Rigby.
THE EARL OF BRISTOL TO MR. PITT.
Madrid, December 3, 1759.
Sir,
I take the earliest opportunity of returning you
my sincere thanks for the honour of your most
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 467
obliging private letter, which was delivered to me
by the messenger Maddox. I shall defer sending
an answer to the first part of it, till I can write
without constraint by the return of the same mes-
senger. All I will say in general is, that you may
be assured I will, to the utmost of my power, en-
deavour to obey your commands.
Letters came here last post from Rochfort and
Bourdeaux, which have brought accounts of an
engagement between Sir Edward Hawke andM.de
Conflans, greatly to the disadvantage of the French.
You will certainly have received this intelligence
before my letter reaches you ; but I am too im-
patient to congratulate you upon the various and
signal successes of his Majesty's forces during your
administration, to delay my felicitations till we are
more fully informed of this glorious conclusion of
the campaign. I only mention the great want of
an able consul-general at Madrid, to assure you,
Sir, that I am convinced the difficulty of supplying
that vacancy does not proceed from you ; and
sooner or latter it is impossible but that the King's
business must suffer upon that account.
I sincerely wish you health, as I am convinced
it is the only bar you have to happiness ; for the
consciousness of worth, great talents, and deserved
applause, must give you that inward satisfaction,
which no one but yourself can feel. Amidst the
general approbation of your country, I beg leave
to offer my tribute of respect and esteem ; for no
h h 2
468 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
one can be more unfeignedly, or with more perfect
regard than I am, Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant,
Bristol.
THE RIGHT HON. RICHARD RIGBY TO MR. PITT.
Dublin Castle, December 5, 1759.
Sir,
As you will receive from my lord-lieutenant, by
this packet, a very particular account of a most
outrageous attack made upon both houses of par-
liament by an unruly, barbarous, and drunken mob
on Monday last, I shall trouble you with a very
short detail, by way of supplement. (!)
(') On the 3d of December. " There happened," says Wal-
pole, "at this juncture, another point, which alarmed the Irish
more than the rumours of invasion : this was a jealousy that an
union with England was intended. This union was, indeed, a fa-
vourite object with Lord Hillsborough : he had hinted such
a wish a year or two before in the parliament of England, and
being now in Ireland, let drop expressions of the same ten-
dency. This was no sooner divulged than Dublin was in a
flame. The mob grew outrageous, and assembled at the door
of the House of Commons. Mr. Rigby went forth, and assured
them there was no foundation for their jealousy ; but his
word they would not take. Ponsonby, the speaker, was at last
obliged to go out and pacify them ; and Mr. Rigby declared
in the House, that if a bill of union was brought in, he would
vote against it. The tumult then subsided ; but Rigby soon
after moving that the lord-lieutenant might, on an emergency,
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 469
I have spared no pains to discover the authors and
abettors of it, but hitherto my endeavours have been
to no purpose. The pretence put into their mouths
is, a union with Great Britain, and an abolition
of parliaments here. They are of the very lowest
and scum of the people ; desperate by nature,
made more so by drams ; and they have shown no
regard to persons, or to parties which heretofore
subsisted in this country. The being a member of
either house of parliament was the crime, and they
tendered oaths indiscriminately to all, to swear they
were true to their country ; and the taking such
oaths did not satisfy the more.
The Earl of Inchiquin was one object of their
fury in his way to the House of Lords, or rather
at his entrance into it. They stripped him of his
wig and ribbon, and he escaped in imminent
danger of his life. (!) Mr. Rowley, who is a privy
councillor and a man of great fortune, was dragged
the length of a street by them, and narrowly es-
caped being thrown into the river and drowned.
Mr. Morres, a member of parliament and one of
such as on an invasion, summon the parliament to meet, without
an intervention of forty days, the former suspicions revived,
and a dangerous riot ensued." — Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 401.
(') " Lord Inchiquin, who was newly arrived from the country,
on purpose to oppose the rumoured union, was insulted. The
mob pulled of his perriwig and put the oath to him. He had an
impediment in his speech, and stuttering, they cried, • Damn
you, do you hesitate?' But hearing that his name was O'Bryen,
their rage was turned into acclamations." — lb. p. 403.
H H 3
470 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
the King's council, was stripped of his very shirt,
and beat and bruised. The attorney-general^) was
wounded in his chariot, which he was obliged to
quit, and to take refuge in the college. These
are but a few of very many instances of the like
nature. I have heard that, by their discourses, I
have been a principal object of their aversion ; but
I have never failed going to parliament and from
it in my own chariot, and have never met with
insult or blow from them, though I have observed
unpleasant countenances. (2) In the various reports
which you may imagine have been brought to me
of this tumult from time to time, the Duke of
Bedford's name has never once been mentioned.
After this account, I wish I could pretend to
ascribe the true motive of it to you. It certainly
may be occasioned by emissaries from France,
though I think I should have discovered it, if that
had been the cause. The better kind of people, the
tradesman and the like, are ashamed and terrified
at such proceedings, and are one and all with the
parliament, willing and desirous to concur in every
means to subdue them. The magistrates have
undoubtedly been remiss. The lord mayor is a
timorous and weak man. He with the sheriffs
have been at the bar of the House of Commons
(!) Warden Flood, Esq.
(2) Walpole, on the contrary, states, that " their greatest
fury was intended against Rigby ; for whom they prepared a
gallows, and were determined to hang him on it, but for-
tunately that morning he had gone out of town to ride, and
received timely notice not to return." — Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 404.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 471
many hours to-day, and I have told them and the
House my opinion in the strongest terms upon this
state of things, worse than anarchy ; and I must do
the House the justice to say they are willing to
support me to the utmost.
I hope, Sir, you will hear no more of such
shameful misdemeanors (J) ; and be assured, that all
spirit shall be shown in the execution of the laws,
if more of them shall happen. lam, with the greatest
esteem and regard, Sir,
Your most obliged and
obedient humble servant,
Richd. Rigby.
SIR RICHARD LYTTELTON TO MR. PITT.
Ealing, December 11, 1759.
Dear Sir,
The situation of my health is, indeed, very me-
lancholy and affecting to me ; but allow me to say,
that the confinement it lays me under, and the
(•) Walpole further states, that " they pulled the bishop
of Killala out of his coach, as they did the lord chancellor
Bowes, and proceeded to the House of Lords, where they com-
mitted the grossest indecencies, placed an old woman on the
throne, and sent for pipes and tobacco for her : they next
went to the House of Commons, and ordered the clerk to bring
them the journals to burn. He obeyed ; but, telling them they
would destroy the only records of the glorious year 1 755, they
were contented to restore them." — Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 404.
H H 4
472 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
degree of exclusion from the society and pleasures
of the world, is not the part the most affecting to
me ; but, incapacitated as I am from endeavour-
ing to contribute my mite to the successes of my
country, my heart is warmed with them, and
overflows with satisfaction when I reflect to whom,
under God, we are principally indebted for so
wonderful a change as your spirit, wisdom, and
magnanimity have wrought in so short an adminis-
tration.
And give me leave, my dear Sir, without flat-
tery to say, that, confined as I am to my chair, use-
less to you and to my country, my heart grows
proud within me, and feels a secret exultation to
receive such assurances of love and friendship from
a man so distinguished by the admiration of this
kingdom, and of Europe. May your plans for the
success of our arms in every part of the globe, and
for the prosperity of us and our posterity, con-
tinue to be prosperous! May every wish of your
heart be fully satisfied ! Whatever may be my
particular situation, I cannot then be unhappy.
The Duchess sends her most affectionate com-
pliments to you and Lady Hester ; and we both
desire our best acknowledgments for the kind visit
of yesterday. I am ever, my dear Sir, by incli-
nation and by gratitude,
Your most devoted and affectionate,
Richard Lyttelton.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 473
THE EARL OF BRISTOL TO MR. PITT.
Madrid, December 19, 1759.
Sir,
I have written so much to you in my public
despatch about the affair of the Guerrero, that I will
trouble you very little at present, otherwise than to
answer that part of your private letter which re-
lates to this business. I made use of all the
arguments you suggested to me by the King's
orders, as well as those you favoured me with in
private, for M. Wall's conviction ; and if it was
possible for you to be minutely informed of all that
passes between the Spanish minister and myself,
where our two courts disagree, you would be con-
vinced, Sir, that all possible candour and coolness
is exerted on each side, without the temper of
either receiving the smallest agitation.
As I can write to you now with the greatest free-
dom, I will acquaint you, that I am convinced General
Wall is obliged to second the opinion of the rest of
these ministers in our disputes, lest they should endea-
vour to represent him to the Catholic King as more
devoted to England than to Spain ; which has been
the constant language of his enemies at this court,
though totally void of foundation ; for I am per-
suaded his attachment to Great Britain proceeds
from his being convinced that Spain can only make
a great and independent figure by a close union
with the court of England. He has often told me
474 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
how much he wanted to retire from all business.
He has certainly solicited his release in the last reign,
as well as the present one, but was denied by the
King of Spain in the most flattering manner, as he
was by the late Prince. He wants a quiet retreat, to
pay his debts, and to devote the remainder of his
life to his Creator ; for he has for some time been
very religiously inclined. (*)
I beg of you, Sir, not to think I ask your advice
as a mere compliment. Do that justice to your own
conduct, which all the world does for you, and then
be convinced that I solicit counsel of the man
whose talents I admire the most, and whose judg-
ment I would willingly make the criterion of my
own actions.
It was with pleasure I heard that your friend
and relation has, since his audience in the closet,
been distinguished in the manner that his rank
entitled him to be.(2) I am convinced this must be
an event agreeable to you, Sir, and therefore I truly
rejoice at it. I have the honour to be, with the
greatest respect, truth, and esteem, Sir,
Your most obedient, and
most humble servant,
Bristol.
(!) M. Wall continued to hold the situation of principal
secretary of state for foreign affairs till the year 1763 ; when
he retired from court with a pension of ten thousand crowns, to
which the King of Spain afterwards added the pay of a lieu-
tenant-general in actual service, besides continuing to him all
the honours and prerogatives he before enjoyed.
(2) The King had just given Earl Temple the vacant garter.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 475
THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT.
[December, 1759.]
Lord Bute presents his compliments to Mr. Pitt,
and most sincerely joins with him in the triumphs
of this glorious day. It winds up greatly the most
auspicious year this country ever knew ; and Lord
Bute is not a little pleased to think how much this
immense success is owing to Mr. Pitt's ardour,
steadiness, and ability.
Friday.
THE RIGHT HON. RICHARD RIGBY TO MR. PITT.
Dublin Castle, December 23, 1759.
Dear Sir,
I think myself much honoured by the receipt
of your private letter of Thursday last by Garstin
the messenger, who by a most expeditious passage
arrived here this afternoon. The packet is to sail
early to-morrow ; and although the Duke of Bed-
ford cannot possibly have time to prepare his letters
to you so soon, yet I think it highly necessary for
me not to neglect the first opportunity of ac-
knowledging the receipt and returning you my
thanks for your letter.
Be assured, Sir, that however serious you and the
rest of the King's servants have seen this enormous
476 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
outrage, you cannot form a conception of it more
full of indignity than I have. It is difficult to
assign the causes of it. I am convinced there are
more than one. The circumstance of the time
when it happened, and its having entirely subsided
since Sir Edward Hawke's victory, together with
the repeated intelligence we received from you for
many months prior to it, of emissaries coming over
from France, should make one imagine it to be part
of the plan of invasion ; and I am convinced that
it was so. (')
On the other hand, I must inform you that, for
many years past, the mob in this kingdom has been
wickedly and infamously made use of by different
parties as an engine to carry questions in parliament
by terrifying the members ; and I know of a
certainty that expressions have dropped this very
session even from members of parliament, that
(!) " There was much reason for believing, that the insur-
rection had deeper foundation than in a mere jealousy of an
union with England. Seditious papers had been printed ; two
drummers in the livery of the college had commenced the
uproar in the Earl of Meath's liberties, telling the people, that
if they did not rise by one o'clock an act would be passed to
abolish parliaments in Ireland. But the strongest presumption
of the tumult being excited by the emissaries of France came
out afterwards : it appearing, that the commotion began the very
day after intelligence was received that the French fleet was
sailed from Brest. Indeed, it is now past doubt, that the court
of France had laid a very extensive plan, meditating an attack
on the three kingdoms at one and the same time. England
was to be invaded from Dunkirk, Ireland by the Brest fleet,
while Thurot was to fall on the north of Scotland." — Walpoles
Geo. II., vol. ii. p. 405.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 477
since they had no chance for numbers in the house,
they must have recourse to the old method of
numbers without doors. You may imagine I wish
I could bring positive proof to the bar of this ;
which, though I am not able to do, lam fully satisfied
of the truth of. There is no tale so absurd which
the common people here will not swallow with a
few shillings' worth of whiskey ; and I suspect, not
without reason, an infamous disappointed old
lawyer, who offered me a bribe of a thousand pounds
to make him a judge, for which I treated him as
he deserved, to have been at great pains and
expense to poison the minds of the people, par-
ticularly upon the dreaded subject of an union, and
there being no more parliaments to be held in
Ireland. (')
(!) "The storm weathered, the Castle met with little opposition.
Perry, the most formidable of the minority, they bought off.
One man alone gave them trouble ; his name Hely Hutchinson,
a lawyer ; his views he owned himself. Being asked, on leaving
England, whether he should addict himself to the opposition or
to the Castle, he replied, ' Not to the Castle certainly, nothing is
to be gotten there ;' — meaning that Rigby engrossed every thing.
Hutchinson had good parts, and exerted them briskly, annoying
Rigby, Malone, and the courtiers." — Walpole, vol. ii. p. 407.
— - Hely Hutchinson was called to the bar in 1748, returned to
the Irish parliament for Lanesborough in 1759, and for the city
of Cork in 1761 ; which he continued to represent till his death,
in 1795. In 1762, he was appointed prime serjeant ; in 1764,
provost of Trinity College, Dublin; and in 1777, secretary of
state for Ireland. His avidity for office called forth the sa-
tirical remark of Lord North, that if " Hutchinson had England
and Ireland given him, he would still solicit the Isle of Man for
a potato-garden." He married the niece and heir of Richard
478 CORRESPONDENCE OP 1759.
Whenever I shall have the pleasure of seeing
you in England, and you can spare me a little
time, I shall be able to explain to you more at
large other motives and causes for this riotous,
almost rebellious, disposition in the people here.
They look upon it as a token of liberty and inde-
pendency ; and the daring to fly in the face of the
English government is as an inestimable jewel in the
eyes of many, not of the lowest of the people. It
would amaze you, Sir, to see the reluctance I have
met with to probe this flagrant evil to the bottom,
and the impossibility to get at a ringleader by ever
so large lucrative offers, which I have made to
those who I am certain are capable, if they were
willing to inform.
That it is over ; that it is past and gone ; that you
will hear no more of it, is the language of many
considerable ' persons, and is the answer I have
received from numbers, when I have pressed them
to assist me in the House of Commons in the passing
a riot act ; which I will attempt when the house
meets again, if I find the least chance of being sup-
ported.
Give me leave now to assure you that, besides
the several schemes for augmenting the military
force which have been transmitted from hence, and
met with the King's approbation, the two Pro-
testant counties of Armagh and Down have re-
Hutchinson, of Knocklofty, Esq., afterwards raised to the peer-
age by the title of Baroness Donoughmore, and was grandfather
of the present Earl.
1759. THE EARL OF CHATHAM. 479
ceived a very large supply of good arms, which are
already distributed by the governors or deputy-
governors of those counties. The town of London-
derry is put into the best posture of defence which
the place admits of, by repairing their cannon, and
arms are sent to the inhabitants of both the town
and county of that name. The Protestant in-
habitants of Bandon in the county of Cork have
also received a supply of arms, as many as they
applied for ; and others will be distributed by the
Duke of Bedford where it is safe and proper to
trust them. But let me assure you, upon the fullest
enquiry I have been able to make into the prudence
of such a measure, that it does require much caution
into whose hands and what places arms should be
delivered.
The Protestants, you say, Sir, have hands and
zeal. I am sorry to say there is a sect amongst the
Protestants, who have a zeal most dangerous to be
trusted. They are descended from Cromwell's fol-
lowers, and still retain that stubborn spirit. They
avow at this day a dislike to monarchy and the
established church, and their fidelity requires equal
watching with the Papists. Indeed, Sir, I do not
state the situation of this country in a more un-
favourable light to you, than it appears to me after
much acquaintance with it.
Since the 3d instant, when the great riot happen-
ed, every precaution has been taken by the Duke of
Bedford, and is taken, that can be thought of, to
preserve the peace of this city, and every thing
480 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1759.
has been quiet since. I hope you will hear of no
more such scandalous and brutal violences. Depend
upon it nobody shall be more alert in endeavouring
to discover the past offenders, or in bringing future
ones to the severest punishment which the laws
will inflict, than him who has the honour to be, with
the highest esteem and regard, dear Sir,
Your most faithful humble servant,
Richd. Rigby.
P. S, Permit me, Sir, most sincerely to con-
gratulate you upon the very great and important
news which Bateson has brought us. What a
glorious conclusion of the greatest year England
ever saw !
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
London :
Printed by A. Spottiswoode,
New- Street- Square.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
Los Angeles
This book is DUE on the last date stamped below.
m& 6 1957
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